Mixed Signals on Fairness Doctrine Create Confusion by CHQ News Staff FEB. 20, 2009 – Although the Obama administration has publicly stated it does not wish to reinstate the "Fairness Doctrine," many high-profile public officials have commented on the topic, sparking concern that the archaic broadcast regulations may return under a different label. The Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcast license holders provide the opposing views of political comment broadcast over the airwaves, was first introduced as public policy in 1949. In 1987, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) eliminated the Fairness Doctrine, but conservatives fear it may return now that Democrats control both Congress and the White House. A White House spokesperson told FOX News this week that President Barack Obama "does not believe the Fairness Doctrine should be reinstated,” as was his position during his presidential campaign. However, opponents to the Fairness Doctrine say comments by multiple Democratic officials indicate that, while the Fairness Doctrine itself may not be reinstated, its intent to regulate broadcast content could be built into new legislation or policy. This fear has generated widespread outcry among grassroots conservatives, prompting GOP Senator Jim DeMint (SC) to propose the Broadcaster Freedom Act (BFA) as an amendment to the upcoming D.C. Voting Rights bill. The BFA would by law prohibit the FCC from implementing the Fairness Doctrine. “I’m glad President Obama finally confirmed his opposition to the Fairness Doctrine, which attacks the right of free speech on talk radio, but many Democrats in Congress are still pushing it,” DeMint said. "I intend to seek a vote on this amendment next week so every senator is on record: Do you support free speech or do you want to silence voices you disagree with?” Former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, as well as Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tom Harkin (D-IA), John Kerry (D-MA) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), have all publicly stated they would like to see a return of the Fairness Doctrine, or similar regulations. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has also stated she supports the revival of the Fairness Doctrine. The Fairness Doctrine would effectively silence conservative on the radio and also threaten Christian broadcasting. Some broadcasters, wishing to avoid fines or other complications stemming from the Fairness Doctrine, may cancel political programs altogether. "Is it your intention to censor talk radio through a variety of contrivances, such as 'local content,' 'diversity of ownership,' and 'public interest' rules -- all of which are designed to appeal to populist sentiments but, as you know, are the death knell of talk radio and the AM band?" conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh asks of Obama in an open letter published in the Wall Street Journal. Petitions are now circulating in conservative circles to gather support against the Fairness Doctrine, in any form. -30-
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