Ding Dong The Fairness Doctrine's (Almost) Dead
Fairness Doctrine, FCC, free speech, Nation 8:00 AM
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| Fox News/AP: FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski recommends end of "Fairness Doctrine". |
According to a 2009 article in Time Magazine, "The doctrine stayed in effect, and was enforced until FCC chairman Mark Fowler began rolling it back during Reagan's second term — despite complaints from some in the Administration that it was all that kept broadcast journalists from thoroughly lambasting Reagan's policies on air. In 1987, the FCC panel repealed the Fairness Doctrine altogether with a 4-0 vote."
Actually, there are two factual issues to clear up. First, the FCC deemed the regulation unenforceable but did not remove it from their books. Second, the nefarious doctrine is only slated for death - not actually off the books even still. The Atlantic points out that, "House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) wrote FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski last month to urge him to formally remove from the Code of Federal Regulations the fairness doctrine and rules allowing for those who are attacked by a broadcaster's editorial to respond on air." Fox News notes that, "FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a letter to a House Republican leader this week that the agency's effort to identify and eliminate "antiquated and outmoded rules that unnecessarily burden business, stifle investment and innovation, or confuse consumers and licensees" will include a recommendation to delete the Fairness Doctrine." The Republicans responded gleefully, but pressed the FCC chairman to declare a timeline.
Some, particularly on the Right, remain concerned that the law may return from the dead. For now, the FCC appears happy to let it go for good.
Posted by Nick Stone
on 8:00 AM.
Filed under
Fairness Doctrine,
FCC,
free speech,
Nation
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