MUMBAI: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Michael Powell has announced that David J. Barrett will assume the chairmanship of the newly re-chartered Media Security and Reliability Counci (MSRC). Barrett is the president and CEO of Hearst-Argyle Television.

Powell was quoted in an official release saying, "The MSRC will continue to bring together industry leaders to develop ways to ensure the continued operation and security of media facilities. I am pleased that David will be bringing his expertise and leadership to this important council, and am confident that MSRC II will continue in the fine tradition set by this Council."

The MSRC is a Federal advisory committee that reports to Powell. Powell formed the organisation following 9/11 in order to study, develop and report on best practices designed to assure the optimal reliability, robustness and security of the broadcast and multichannel video programming distribution industries.

Barrett said, "MSRC has completed just a portion of the important work that needs to be done to better prepare the electronic media for events that will drive us to an even higher level of community service, responsibility and accessibility. As we move forward into the next generation of this important committee, we hope to satisfy the expectation of the FCC, Homeland Security and other agencies and public officials who count on broadcasters to help make America safer and more secure."

MSRC is being chartered for a two-year term beginning 24 March. MSRC II will further refine the MSRC best practices recommendations. The council will also coordinate with the FCC staff on an outreach process that will encourage adoption of MSRC's best practices and foster coordination between media and government at the local level.