FCC Chairman Wheeler looks to shut down field offices

[Rafman]

FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler explained why shutting down field offices all across the country would put an end to draining resources. He said, the offices have a one-manager-to-four-employee ratio and many have oversized rental facilities.

"Our consultant’s findings indicate that we can more efficiently deploy staff by decreasing the number of managers and relying instead on an engineer-intensive  “tiger team” approach that makes better use of regional offices, including pre-deploying equipment on the ground and partnering with other federal officials in remote areas." Wheeler explained that closing the offices will save money without diminishing productivity.

The radio industry has been worried fewer offices will diminish how the Commission goes after pirate radio stations.

http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2927451&spid=24698

https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairman-wheeler-statement-senate-appropriations-committee