What is the 'fairness doctrine'? Is it a way to control free speech?

Question

That sounds like control of free speech.

Answer 1

That's pretty much it, and I think it's amazing that it's the idea of the liberal democrats, who tout themselves as the bastion of freedom of speech and of expression! Just tonight, I've read at least 6 posts from people talking about how the liberal democrats so honor the Constitution and uphold individual rights. It's true. They do. But only if you agree with them. Those who disagree get slapped with the fairness doctrine!

Answer 2

Like forcing all content on the net to be treated equally, controls free speech there. Allowing more free speech is only control as it keeps others from controlling it.

A lot of folk forget that the national bandwidth is the national Commons, and as such individual broadcasters were supposed to respect that, and offer a fair range of programming for everyone.

Since time is limited they were allowed discretion to decide what was good to show and what was not, but they were required to keep all voices open and not shut any large group of peoples Ideas off.

When the broadcaster said something egregious, they did not have to go looking for outraged exception to their behavior, as it came to them.

It was Reagan who decided that if people wanted to air an alternative view they would have to pay even if the first view was given free like in a news cast. Since then broadcasters have even turned down money if they did not like the comment.

So what was once owned by all the people, who only granted licenses to operate a band width, has been hijacked by five companies who decide for you what information you get and how you get it.

Answer 3

The Fairness Doctrine was a regulation of the United States Federal Communications Commission which required broadcast licensees to present controversial issues of public importance, and to present such issues in what was deemed an honest, equal and balanced manner. It has since been repealed by the FCC and aspects of it have been questioned by courts.

Answer 4

The fairness doctrine no longer is in force. It was dissolved by the FCC in 1985.

While it was created in good faith to ensure that both sides of an issue would be aired, its unintended result was that journalists would avoid reporting on controversial issues, rather than having to search out someone/something to represent an opposing viewpoint.

Answer 5

I miss those editorials after the TV news, and those idiots who made rebuttals.