MUMBAI: US President George Bush, has nominated Deborah T. Tate, a Republican regulator from Tennessee, to fill a vacant seat on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC regulates America's media and telecom industry.

Bush also appointed Democrat, Michael J. Copps, to another five-year term at the regulatory authority.

Tate has been a director on the Tennessee Regulatory Authority and previously served as its chair for one year. She is set to fill the vacancy created by the elevation of FCC commissioner ,Kevin J. Martin, to chairman in March. Martin, a Republican, succeeded Michael Powell, who left the agency in the spring after a four-year stint.

FCC chairman, Kevin J. Martin, said, If confirmed, Debi Tate, will be an excellent addition to the Commission. She has a distinguished career in state government, and she has worked closely with the Commission in her role as Director of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority.

"Also, if confirmed, I look forward to continuing to work closely with Commissioner Copps. He has served admirably at the Commission for the past four years, and I respect his insight and thoughtfulness on issues before the Commission. I welcome both,Debi and Michael, and I appreciate their continued dedication to public service.