Gottlieb to Atlantic Media Company, Kaplan to become chief counsel

Bruce Gottlieb, chief counsel and senior legal advisor to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski, plans to exit his post by August to become general counsel to Atlantic Media Company, according to a source at the commission. 

Gottlieb worked at the FCC for nearly five years.

Succeeding Gottlieb is Rick Kaplan, chief of staff to Democratic Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. He joined the agency last year, working on the transition to digital television. Before that, he was an associate at Sidley Austin and a general counsel in the House of Representatives.

Kaplan also ran and owned a sports communications agency in New York, representing professional athletes and sports leagues in communications strategy and contract negotiations. 

"Rick brings a wealth of experience and achievement to the commission -- as an attorney, public servant, and successful entrepreneur," Genachowski said in a statement.  "He has a keen intellect, great judgment, deep insight into the challenges and opportunities of the modern communications landscape, and the ability to build consensus among a wide variety of stakeholders.  I am delighted that he has agreed to join my senior leadership team."