ABC Launches On-Air Campaign Against FCC Investigations

[onenote]

9. Nope.

I have 45 years of experience working for the FCC or, in private practice, representing broadcasters, cable operators and satellite companies before the FCC and Congress and in the courts.

The Fairness Doctrine was an FCC-created policy requiring broadcasters to provide balanced coverage of controversial issues of public importance. It largely left the means of compliance to the stations and, despite what a lot of folks think, its impact was relatively limited.

The "equal opportunities" -- or "equal time" rule -- is a statutory requirement under which broadcast stations have to give legally qualified candidates comparable on-air access during certain windows preceding a primary or general election. It is triggered only by an actual "use" by one candidate and with certain limited exceptions, doesn't require a broadcaster to give time to any candidates. It is very specific and is enforced by the FCC.