Wednesday May 14, 2008
Fairness Doctrine
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See also: Many Idahoans have expressed concerns over proposals to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine and increasing federal regulations over public broadcasting. Government awareness and accountability are important aspects of a healthy and vibrant democracy. However, it is also important that any attempts to modify current policies to broadcast fair and equal content is done in such a way that appropriately permits Americans to exercise their constitutionally-guaranteed right to free speech.
As you may know, certain members of Congress have discussed the possibility of introducing legislation that would reinstate the 1949 Fairness Doctrine as a law. The Fairness Doctrine was a policy of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that required broadcasters to make time available for the airing of opposing viewpoints. Such legislation has not yet been introduced in the 110th Congress.
The FCC issued the Fairness Doctrine in 1949 on the principle that public broadcasters had a duty to the public interest given that there were so few of them. Since that time, the landscape of telecommunications has greatly changed, with an increase in television stations, radio stations, and more significantly, the introduction of the Internet. Today, the Fairness Doctrine would instigate market interference by the federal government, while failing to encompass all forms of communications, such as newspapers and the Internet.
Senator Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota) introduced an amendment to the Senate Defense Authorization bill that would bar the return of the Fairness Doctrine for broadcasters. I am a co-sponsor of this amendment and will continue to oppose any proposal to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine.
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