Bringing Back the Fairness Doctrine [View all]

[Smarmie Doofus]

>>>The Fairness Doctrine was a policy of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), introduced in 1949, that required the holders of broadcast licenses to both present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was, in the Commission's view, honest, equitable and balanced. The FCC decided to eliminate the Doctrine in 1987, and in August 2011 the FCC formally removed the language that implemented the Doctrine.[1]

The Fairness Doctrine had two basic elements: It required broadcasters to devote some of their airtime to discussing controversial matters of public interest, and to air contrasting views regarding those matters. Stations were given wide latitude as to how to provide contrasting views: It could be done through news segments, public affairs shows, or editorials. The doctrine did not require equal time for opposing views but required that contrasting viewpoints be presented.[2]>>>>>


"... to air contrasting views"

"... to air contrasting views"

"... to air contrasting views"

Can it be done? That it *should* be done is a given. But what exactly would it take?

Interesting reply to an earlier thread puts this in mind: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1016&pid=77711