A Test of the Revolving Door Hypothesis at the FCC

This paper utilizes bloc analysis and Guttman scaling techniques to test the hypothesis that regulatory commissioners formerly employed by a regulated industry tend to be more supportive of the industry and its preferred values. An analysis of nonunanimous FCC votes reveals cohesive voting patterns for former broadcasters. However, party differences are generally more striking than differences based on prior background. Furthermore, the utility of the revolving door hypothesis depends on how prior employment is defined.