The Fairness Doctrine

It’s possible that many people are not aware of the Fairness Doctrine, since it was abolished in 1987, and maybe have not heard of it’s renewed discussion with some congressional leaders.  To sum up, the Fairness Doctrine applied to public airwaves and the content that was presented therein.  The law, enforced by the FCC, was intended to provide equal representation of differing views.  Basically, you could have the Rush Limbaugh hour, but then the broadcaster would be required to present an opportunity at some time for the counter to Rush’s views.  Apparently this wasn’t applied as a 1:1 ratio, as this post that supports the doctrine explains.

It wasn’t until the repeal of the law that political radio personalities like Rush even came into being truly powerful forces with huge ratings.  This is considered one of the main reasons that democratic leaders are fans of the Fairness Doctrine, because of the rabid success of conservative personalities in juxtaposition to liberal voices (see the struggles of Air America).

I personally cannot stand talk radio (or even tv versions like Bill O’Reilly), but I do think the Fairness Doctrine is unequivocally un-American.  This is competition at its best.  It would be absurd if we proffered that publishers be forced to spend equal money on books of differing views, or that movie studios do the same with their films.  Our identity as Americans is founded on personal liberty and freedom.  We will choose for ourselves is basically our mantra.  I could possibly, POSSIBLY, see the value of this type of law in an age when media was severely limited and simultaneously controlled by monopoly.  But since neither are the case (nor were they in 1949 either) I believe we have to view this as suppression, and unwieldy government intervention.  True competition does allow bad apples through, but I would rather have the freedom to choose NOT to listen to Rush Limbaugh (and that is definitely the choice I make), then to see another commission try and decide what is equal and fair on-air.

That’s my view, but what is yours?  Please take a moment to answer our poll:

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