Alfred C. Sikes practiced law in Missouri from 1964 to 1968. Then he became assistant Missouri Attorney General from 1969 to 1972. In this position, Sikes directed Missouri’s Department of Community Affairs from 1973 to 1974, and the state’s Department of Consumer Affairs, Regulation, and Licensing from 1974 to 1976.

From 1977 to 1985, Sikes worked in the media industry, co-owning and managing radio properties and providing consulting services. In 1986, he was nominated by President Reagan to become the Assistant Secretary of Commerce and director of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Subsequently, then President George W. Bush nominated Sikes to be a member of the Federal Communications Communication (FCC) in June of 1989. He became the commission’s chairperson after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

In his tenure at the FCC, Sikes supported deregulation and established the framework for digital high-definition television. Sikes resigned in early 1993, worked for Hearst Corporation to manage the company’s New Media & Technology Group.