After Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” during the 2004 Super Bowl, Jonathan Adelstein ’80, one of five FCC commissioners since 2002, voted unanimously with his colleagues to fine CBS $550,000 – the largest amount ever assessed against a television broadcaster. Adelstein was sworn in as a member of the Federal Communications Commission in 2002 and then again for a five-year term in 2004. Appointed by the President, he is one of five commissioners heading the FCC. The Federal Communications Commission is a United Stated agency that regulates all non-federal use of radio and television, all interstate telecommunications and international communications since 1934. Adelstein received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and his Master of Arts degree in History from Stanford University. He also attended the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Where are you originally from and where do you currently live? I was born and raised in a small town in South Dakota called Rapid City. I now live in Washington, D.C. with my wife and two children, where I work as an FCC Commissioner. What dorm did you live in when you attended Andover? As a freshman, I lived in America House on Main Street and as an upperclassman I lived in Bartlett Hall. What is one specific thing you remember about your time spent at Andover? I remember what a huge culture shock it was especially coming from a small town in the middle of South Dakota. I learned a lot from everyone all the different people there. What activities were you involved in at Andover? I was really into academics and sports at the time. I played football and I ran track. Primarily, I did the 440, now known as the 400 meter dash. Did Andover influence your career and how? As I said earlier, Andover opened my eyes to the world and all the possibilities out there. Ironically, I never explored politics at Andover; I just had no interest for it. A friend of mine from Andover just happened to get an internship at Capital Hill in Washington, D.C, which gave me the idea to do it too. So, the summer after I graduated from high school, I applied and got in. So, in an indirect way, Phillips Academy did. What were your favorite classes? I really enjoyed Spanish, Music Appreciation and American History. I absolutely hated Math. Any advice for current Andover students about to graduate? Follow your instinct. In order to be successful, you should do what interests you.
