MUMBAI: Come March and the US media regulatory body Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will say goodbye to its two key members.

Earlier this month FCC chairman Michael Powell had announced that he would be stepping down in March. Now FCC's media bureau chief Kenneth Ferree has also announced his resignation which will be effective in early March.

Ferree said, "It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with the staff of the media bureau and FCC for the last four years. However it is time for a new team to take over the helm of the agency.

"I believe that the media bureau has made a significant contribution to the chairman's goals, and I will always be grateful for the hard work and dedication of the staff during my time here. I have benefited greatly from their skill and integrity."

Three years ago the cable services bureau was combined with the mass media bureau. Ferree was named chief of the newly created Media Bureau. Ferree provides legal, policy and regulatory advice to the FCC Chairman and the other FCC Commissioners on broadcast, cable, broadband, and post-licensing satellite issues.

Meanwhile FCC commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein has announced that Eric Bash has been detailed to his staff as an interim legal advisor. Bash will be working on media issues pending the selection of a permanent advisor.