FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:               News Media Contact: 
April 28, 1999                               Rosemary Kimball at  (202) 418-0500

                                               
CHAIRMAN KENNARD HONORED BY CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOR
                 HIS OPPORTUNITIES AGENDA

     William E. Kennard, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),  was
honored last night by the members of the Congressional Black Caucus for creating more
opportunities for all Americans.  The award was presented at a reception held at the City Club
in Washington, DC, following the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre performance.

     The award was presented by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson who said, "It is my pleasure to
give Chairman William Kennard this award on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus.  Since
he was named chairman of the FCC,  Mr. Kennard has worked hard to promote and expand
opportunities in telecommunications and technology for all Americans, particularly African-
Americans.  As a member of the House Science Committee, I am very appreciative of his efforts
to wire and prepare our nation's schools and libraries for Internet usage." 

     Rep. James E. Clyburn, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said, "As we prepare
for the 21st century and further advances in telecommunications, I can think of no individual
who could better represent the interests of the underserved and the unserved in our
communities.  Bill Kennard has worked to ensure that all Americans have access to the
information highway and the Congressional Black Caucus looks forward to working closely
with him to continue those efforts."

     In accepting the award, Chairman Kennard noted that, just as Judith Jamison, the artistic
director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, has provided opportunities for scores of
talented dancers who otherwise might not have had the chance to succeed in the dance world,
he intended to make sure that all Americans can take advantage of the opportunities available
from the booming technology of the Information Age.  "In establishing the Broadband Task
Force, advocating connecting schools and libraries to the Internet, reaching out to the disabled
community,  promoting Micro Radio and protecting consumers from cramming and slamming,
we can go a long way toward ensuring that the burgeoning digital revolution will not become a
digital divide," he said.

                                                         - FCC -