Former FCC Chairman Charles Ferris, 90, died Feb. 16 at his Chevy Chase, Maryland, home, following a brief illness. Appointed by President Jimmy Carter, Ferris led the FCC from 1977 to 1981. Under his leadership, the agency eased restrictions on…
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telephone equipment, broadcasting, cable and satellite. Those changes are credited with bringing more minorities and women into broadcast station ownership. "Chairman Ferris helped reshape the communications marketplace by allowing AT&T to use computers in its networks, removing rate regulation on telephone equipment, and supporting the growth of cable television," Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said. "Consumers still benefit from his foresight today." Prior to the FCC, Ferris worked on Capitol Hill, including as chief counsel to Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield, D-Mont., and to House Speaker Tip O’Neill, D-Mass. He also served as general counsel and staff director of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee. After leaving the FCC, he became a partner at Mintz, heading the Washington, D.C., office and served on Cablevision’s board. He retired in 2013. Survivors include his daughters, Caroline and Sabrina. Donations may be made to the World Ocean School or the Women's Coalition of St. Croix.