In discussing the potential return of the Fairness Doctrine, by which the government would regulate political content on the radio, Tom has often pooh-poohed the possibility, even saying:
“[T]he Fairness Doctrine isn’t coming back. Ever. Talk of its return is nothing more than a boogey man creating [sic] by Rush and Hannity.”
I beg to differ. We have had a parade of liberal all-stars express support for the Fairness Doctrine in the last week:
- Senator Feinstein: “Well, I’m looking at it, as a matter of fact.”
- Senator Durbin, #2 Democrat in the Senate: “It’s time to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine.”
- Sen. Kerry, the party’s most recent presidential candidate: “The Doctrine ought to come back.”
The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, has also expressed support. The Democrats’ most likely 2008 Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, is also said to have spoken favorably of it, although she denies it. To further beat the drums for this abomination, a group run by President Clinton’s chief of staff released a report claiming that factors other than the free market have kept liberal radio down, and that government regulation is needed.
That’s a pretty powerful lineup supporting the Fairness Doctrine. If the Democrats control Congress and the White House in 2009, I fully expect them to attempt to re-implement it. Heck, they may even try to do it this year. If they do try, I believe that the new media and the citizenry will rise up to defeat it, just like they did to the immigration bill. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a serious possibility.
Craig
1. Pay attention to what just happened today with immigration–the line up wanted immigration reform.
2. Veto anyone? And the FCC is under the executive branch–can you say signing statement? (good for a year or two anyway)
3. Will it stand up to a court test? Today’s supremes are much different than the 60s and 70s group…
But stranger things have happened…
If these guys love it so much why don’t they start with NPR?
What about Fairness Doctrine for newspapers?
Yes, and what about the Fairness Doctrine for the evening news, Good Morning America, and all of TV?
I do “pooh-pooh” the possibilities of this bringing back, for pretty much all the reasons listed by David plus another. Talk radio is (or at least it was the last time I looked) the #1 listened to radio format in America. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry. The fairness doctrine would obliterate the business of talk radio, and we all know the Golden Rule- he who has the gold makes the rules.
Those that advocate the F.D. know it’s not coming back. They aren’t dumb. There are a few reasons why they bring it up:
1. To rally their base. Defining an opposition creates energy among the troops. Mission Accomplished.
2. To call into question the credibility, integrity, accuracy and fairness of talk radio among moderate Americans and their base. And this has worked as many discussions have emerged regarding the credibility of talk radio as a result. Mission accomplished.
3. Because they hate talk radio.