Washington ? President Bush on Wednesday elevated Federal Communications Commission member Kevin Martin to chairman of the agency clamping down on broadcast indecency as it faces tough challenges in the ever-evolving age of the Internet.

Martin, who has been an FCC commissioner since 2001, replaces Michael Powell in the top job. Powell, son of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, had announced in January that he was leaving this month after four years in the top post.

Martin thanked Bush and the outgoing chairman, lauding Powell for his “excellent stewardship of this agency.”

“I look forward to continuing his efforts in bringing the communications industry into the 21st century,” Martin said.

The FCC has taken on an increasingly critical role in the life of America with the explosive growth in the telecommunications industry.

Martin, 38, a Republican, was born in Charlotte, N.C. He worked at the White House for Bush as an economic adviser and served as a deputy general counsel on Bush’s first campaign.

His wife, Catherine, is a special assistant to the president on economic policy and previously worked as an adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney.

Because he already is a member of the FCC, Martin’s promotion, which had been widely expected, does not need to be confirmed by the Senate.