IS THE FAIRNESS DOCTRINE FAIR?

By Rick Thorne

As veterans, we must insure FREE SPEECH is PROTECTED!
I see a time when Americans will be regulated on what they can and cannot say.

The Fairness Doctrine was a policy of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that required the holders of broadcast licenses to present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was honest, equitable, and balanced. It should not be confused, but often is, with the Equal Time rule. The Fairness Doctrine deals with matters of public importance; the Equal Time rule only deals with political candidates.
The United States Supreme Court upheld the Commission’s general right to enforce the Fairness Doctrine where channels were limited, but the courts have generally not ruled that the FCC is obliged to do so.[1] In 1987, the FCC abolished the Fairness Doctrine, prompting some to urge its reintroduction through either Commission policy or Congressional legislation.

READ ON FOR THE REST OF THE STORY>>>>>>     Legislation currently is before Congress that would reinstate a federal communications policy known as the "fairness doctrine."

Supporters of reviving the fairness doctrine base their argument on the very same three faulty premises that the FCC and most judicial rulings have rejected.

Reality: Although the spectrum is limited, the number of broadcasters in America has continuously increased.

Faulty Premise #2: "Fairness" or "fair access" is best determined by FCC authorities.

Reality: FCC bureaucrats can neither determine what is "fair" nor enforce it. Look how they’ve handled our crimbling economy!

Faulty Premise #3: The fairness doctrine guarantees that more opinions will be aired.

Reality: Arbitrary enforcement of the fairness doctrine will diminish vigorous debate. (LOOK HOW THE LIBERAL MEDIA DOMINATES THE AIRWAVES)

With the threat of potential FCC retaliation for perceived lack of compliance, most broadcasters would be more reluctant to air their own opinions because it might require them to air alternative perspectives (CONSERVATIE VIEWS) that their audience does not want to hear. Thus, the result of the fairness doctrine in many instances would stifle the growth of disseminating views and, in effect, make free speech less free.

Rick Thorne

About the Author: Rick Thorne is a Staff Writer for VeteransToday.com. He’s a professional photographer. For 35 years Rick has traveled much of the U.S. recording nature and many other unique subjects along the way. His work isn’t for sale but he uses it to help others in time of depression and despair. Photography has been his life blood for many years now. Rick is on Social Security Disability and was discharged from the Navy in 1968 for a nervous breakdown. The VA is currently treating him for his mental and physical injuries. http://web.me.com/rthorne2/SITE!/TRUTH_REVEALED!.html