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From one who had to live by them in the 80s, that rule didn't assure candidates airtime, just that they could purchase advertising at low rates and if they were attacked on a "Informational" type show (that was the definition...supposedly Talk Show), they had the right to respond.
However, if the attack was made as part of a news story, fairness doctrine didn't apply, and neither did it apply if the program was considered "Entertainment" (at that time considered music programs). First, the rules were fudged to move talk programs into the "Entertainment" catagory and then other provisions were weakened.
In the end all the doctrine meant was that candidates could buy lots of commercials cheaper, and those who had the most money could buy the most time, no equal time...and no obligation from the station to offer any free time (such as interviews). Of course, those who were some of the main proponents for the watering down and elimination of the doctrine were the folks who would go on to set up Rush Limbaugh and launch Hate Radio.
Reregulation of broadcasting has to be a priority in a Kerry administration...returning power to local ownership and responsibility. The station I worked at didn't have to offer rebutal time on our talk shows, but we insisted they did...even reactions on all news stories...as part of our responsibility to our community...and our station made lots of money.
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