UPDATE 1-FCC's McDowell nominated for another term

* Senator Hutchinson will seek fair nomination hearing

* McDowell gets support from Verizon, broadcasters

WASHINGTON, June 2 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama plans to nominate Robert McDowell, a Republican member of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve another term, the White House said on Tuesday.

McDowell, a Bush-appointed FCC commissioner, was confirmed by the Senate on June 1, 2006. During his tenure McDowell has helped create rules governing wireless auctions and incentives to encourage the development of new broadband technologies, the White House said.

In December 2006, when AT&T Inc (T.N) was trying to buy BellSouth Corp, McDowell declined to cast the tie-breaking vote on whether to approve the deal citing his past work for competitors to the two telephone carriers.

The FCC panel is currently without a permanent chairman. Michael Copps, a Democrat, is serving in an acting capacity. Obama has chosen Julius Genachowski to lead the FCC. The Senate is considering Genachowski and other nominations to fill that seat and one vacancy set aside for another Republican.

"Robert McDowell will provide continuity for many important issues on the FCC, including the upcoming digital television transition," said Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, the ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee.

Hutchinson of Texas said she will work with the committee's chairman, West Virginia Democrat Jay Rockefeller, to make sure McDowell receives a "fair nomination hearing and is confirmed."

Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N) and the National Association of Broadcasters issued statements in support of McDowell's nomination.