Is the Fairness Doctrine just Affirmative Action for liberals?

Question

Because they can't compete otherwise?

Is it because every time we have an extended conversation with the American people, liberalism falls apart and its ideas collapse.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/06/newt_gingrich_on_fairness_doct.html

Truth Seeker - We are bringing this up because several prominent Democractic leaders have mentioned it recently.

Answer 1

No, Affirmative Action takes jobs away from one set of people and gives them to another set, on the theory that two wrongs make a right.

The Fairness Doctrine is intended to work the same way, to give 'equal time' to opposing points of view, but it does that by effectively fining broadcasters for allowing anyone to express a point of view. Thus, rather than putting up both points of view, it encourages broadcasters not to put forth /any/ points of view, ever.

I remember the Fairness Doctrine, and that's what it did. TV was carefully scrubbed of all direct reference to any political opinion, real person, or issue of the day that might be construed as taking a position. It was really pretty lame.

Answer 2

The only bill that has been proposed regarding the Fairness Doctrine is a bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind.,
called The Broadcaster Freedom Act, which "will prevent the FCC or any future President from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine.

So why are the Conservatives whining so much about the Fariness Doctrine????

Answer 3

In 1969, the Supreme Court upheld the fairness doctrine. It was always law in the United States since the advent of radio. Later, 1987, the FCC overturned the doctrine, under, a Republican administration. Congress sought to enforce the fairness doctrine but Republican administrations stated that such legislation would receive a veto from the President. Now, a new democratic Congress is bringing up the issue. Two corollary rules of the doctrine, the "personal attack" rule and the "political editorial" rule, are as follows. The "personal attack" rule was pertinent whenever a person or small group was subject to a character attack during a broadcast. Stations had to notify such persons or groups within a week of the attack, send them transcripts of what was said and offer the opportunity to respond on the air.

The "political editorial" rule applied when a station broadcast editorials endorsing or opposing candidates for public office, and stipulated that the candidates not endorsed be notified and allowed a reasonable opportunity to respond.

The Fairness Doctrine is NOT about limiting free speech. It is about broadcasters giving fair and balanced treatment when attacking a person or entity's character, or, endorsing a candidate.

Answer 4

Would a "Fair" show include all political view points? I'm talking about Dems, Reps, Prohibition, Libertarian, Green, Reform, ect

Answer 5

LOL, Thats funny,,


It is a free enterprise system, station owners are running a business, the should not have a format forced on them.. If a station owner wants a liberal format that is his decision..

Answer 6

Pretty much.

It's unfortunate that there is so little regard for freedom of speech anymore.

Thankfully, we have the internet which is virtually impossibly to regulate.

Answer 7

yup,yup, yup. Call and, or fax your congress men- we make a difference! Iknow Trent Lott is one Rino on the wrong side of this one!

Answer 8

No it is censorship and state run media pure and simple. Anyone who cannot see this is a simpleton.

Answer 9

An extended conversation? Is THAT what Bill O'Reilly is doing over there on Faux News when he shouts and whines for his guests to "Shut UP!" and cuts off their feeds?

Oh yeah, totally "Fair & Balanced" debate on Fox News.

Seriously, I think there is a time and place for the Fairness Doctrine. It shouldn't inhibit free speech, but ADD to the debate. Networks that exhibit pundits regularly making commentary on political affairs should be monitored for bias and balanced out by their polar viewpoint, if possible. Think more "Hannity & Colmes"-esqe programming.

Answer 10

You've got it right.

They're crybabies because their programs suck.