"The Unfairness Doctrine"

The Republican Study Committee, the Caucus of House Conservatives, claim the Fairness Doctrine is both unconstitutional and a form of censorship; “I believe that political debate is a bedrock principle of democracy and ought to be encouraged, rather than stifled.  The bottom line is that the fairness doctrine will silence countless numbers of Americans, and that is not only unfair, but unconstitutional.”   

A Los Angeles editorial reports, "But the danger posed by the Fairness Doctrine is broader and more fundamental than an attack on a radio format. No matter what your point of view might be, you have free or inexpensive outlets available today to express them -- maybe not a radio or TV station but certainly a website, a video blog, a podcast or an e-mail newsletter. At the same time, the public has unprecedented access to a diverse array of opinions. Just as the government shouldn't decide what you say on the channels you create, nor should it be able to dictate the range of opinions people hear over the air."

According to David Limbaugh, with WorldNetDaily Commentary, "Beware of liberals using such words as "fairness." In resurrecting the "Fairness Doctrine," liberals are trying to kill conservative talk radio and restore their media monopoly. Period. The doctrine would selectively stifle free political discourse, which is essential for our representative government.The Fairness Doctrine, an FCC regulation in force from 1949 to 1987, required broadcasters to present "both sides" of controversial issues. During that time, liberals had a virtual monopoly on the media.Since the rule was repealed, conservative talk radio has exploded – Rush Limbaugh launched his syndicated radio show in 1988 – and other media outlets multiplied: the Internet, including blogs, cable and satellite TV and satellite radio, among others. The conservative viewpoint has fared quite well in the new media. "

Some of the public who want to lay the Fairness Doctrine down to die forever, include President George Bush, Jackie Mason, of the Jackie Mason Show, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican Leader Mitt Romney, Congressman Mike Pence

 

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