NEWS                                                         March 29, 1996


              COMMISSIONER ANDREW BARRETT DEPARTS COMMISSION

       Andrew Barrett today stepped down from the Federal Communications Commission
after serving seven years as a FCC commissioner.

        During his tenure at the Commission, Barrett was recognized for his role in 
Commission decisions involving personal communications services (PCS), universal service,
price caps, equal employment opportunity (EEO), cable television rate regulation, and
broadcast ownership.

        "It is with mixed emotions that I am leaving the FCC," Barrett said. "While I am
looking forward to the new professional challenges that lie ahead, I have enjoyed serving at
the Commission and feel fortunate to have done so during this momentous time in
telecommunications history.

        "I  am grateful to have worked with Chairman Hundt and Commissioners Quello,
Ness, and Chong, as well as the other commissioners that sat during my tenure, in a way that
was rewarding both professionally and personally. I am proud of what we have accomplished,
and I value the productive discussions and amicable relationships I have had with each of
them. I am also grateful to have worked with the Commission staff, who are a most
dedicated, hard-working, and capable group of public servants. 

        "I am confident my talented and astute colleagues will continue to implement the
Telecommunications Act with wisdom and deliberate speed. Though I am disappointed we
were unable to reach a consensus on the children's television issue, I am positive that the
work we have done together will yield fruitful results in the near future. I am departing also
at a time when the Commission is reconsidering its EEO rules and provisions affecting
minority telecommunications ownership. I would hope my collegues will remember my
concerns as the Commission renders decisions on these issues."

        "Andy's contributions as a  member of this Commission will be long remembered and
long valued," said FCC Chairman Reed Hundt.  "He played an active role in all issue areas,
encouraging the introduction of competition into communications markets while still
recognizing the need for protection of the public interest.  Andy's background as a member of
the Illinois Commerce Commission provided him with a tremendous base of knowledge from
his first days here at the FCC.  His awareness and understanding of issues from the state
perspective have always ensured that the Commission recognized and incorporated those
principles into our own decision making.  Andy has become a personal friend and I will
continue to seek his advice and guidance on all appropriate matters as he enters the private
sector."

        Barrett was nominated to the Commission by President Bush in 1989. Prior to that, he
served as Commissioner on the Illinois Commerce Commission, Chairman of the Water
Committee from the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), 
Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Business and Economic Development, 
Director of Operations for the Illinois Law Enforcement Commission, and Associate Director
for the Chicago Branch NAACP.  He also served as Associate Director for the National
Conference of Christians and Jews.

                                  - FCC -