"I can think of no one better than Julius Genachowski to serve as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. He will bring to the job diverse and unparalleled experience in communications and technology, with two decades of accomplishment in the private sector and public service," Obama said in a statement announcing the nomination.

Genachowski, who has been an adviser to Obama, was considered a leading contender to be tapped as the nation's next FCC chairman. He previously was chief counsel to former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt and was special counsel to FCC General Counsel William Kennard, who also later served as chairman. Genachowski, who is an advocate of network neutrality, has a wide range of experience in legal circles and also in technology.

The president is allowed to appoint the FCC chair, but the five-member commission can't be made up of more than three members of his party. If Genachowski is confirmed, he will form a majority along with Democrats Michael Copps -- currently acting chairman -- and Jonathan Adelstein. Republican Robert McDowell remains on the commission, and there is a remaining seat for another Republican.

The media reform organization Free Press, an advocate of network neutrality, praised Obama's choice. Under the Bush administration, Free Press helped push for an FCC crackdown on Comcast's blocking of file-sharing applications on its cable broadband network.

"We urge the Senate to move Genachowski swiftly through the confirmation process, and we look forward to working with him to tackle America's most pressing media and technology issues," the group said.