Yesterday, I jokingly suggested that the government needs to regulate the media to ensure that people heard more than just the liberal perspective. Of course, it is ridiculous to suggest that in the United States, where the right to freedom of speech is one of our most fundamental and beloved rights, anyone could take seriously the concept of the government regulating speech. I believe that the liberals in the media have every right to say whatever they think. But do they believe that conservatives have the same right? I want to take a minute to look at the Fairness Doctrine today. I know this is not a new subject. But I wonder how many people actually understand the issues underneath the pretty wording.
“Fairness” is a nice word, isn't it? We would like to be fair. When we were kids, didn't we take turns? So what, exactly, is it? In 1949, the FCC decided that broadcasters needed to show both sides of controversial topics. We are talking about private broadcasting companies. Who decided whether broadcasters were being fair? The FCC. Yup, scary, huh? It was repealed under Ronald Reagan on principles of free speech.
Today, talk radio is where many people are turning for their news. There are actually people in power today who feel that the Fairness Doctrine needs to be reintroduced to stem the influence of conservatives on the radio. My article yesterday sounded ludicrous, right? No intelligent American could want to force speech, right? Let's look at what some influential politicians have to say about putting a government entity in charge of regulating free speech.
Senator Richard Durbin (Democrat of Illinois):
"It’s time to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
When asked by John Gizzi of Human Events, "Do you personally support revival of the 'Fairness Doctrine?'"
She replied "Yes."
Senator Jeff Bingaman (Democrat of New Mexico):
"I would want this station and all stations to have to present a balanced perspective and different points of view," and "All I’m saying is that for many, many years we operated under a Fairness Doctrine in this country, and I think the country was well-served. I think the public discussion was at a higher level and more intelligent in those days than it has become since."
Representative Anna Eshoo (Democrat of California):
“I’ll work on bringing it back. I still believe in it." She said it should also apply to cable and satellite broadcasters. "It should and will affect everyone."
Senator Debbie Stabenow (Democrat from Michigan):
"I think it's absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it's called the Fairness Standard, whether it's called something else – I absolutely think it's time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves." When Press asked if she would seek Senate hearings on such accountability in 2009, she replied, "I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that's gonna happen. Yep."
Senator Tom Harkin (Democrat of Iowa):
"...we gotta get the Fairness Doctrine back in law again." Later in response to Press's assertion that "...they are just shutting down progressive talk from one city after another," Senator Harkin responded, "Exactly, and that's why we need the fair — that's why we need the Fairness Doctrine back."
Former President Bill Clinton:
"Well, you either ought to have the Fairness Doctrine or we ought to have more balance on the other side, because essentially there's always been a lot of big money to support the right wing talk shows." Clinton cited the "blatant drumbeat" against the stimulus program from conservative talk radio, suggesting that it doesn't reflect economic reality.
All of these quotes are from the past year. I think a lot of people would be very surprised to realize that there are so many people who think that there ought to be government oversight into what private broadcasting companies say. The key here is to stay educated and informed. The more we exercise our right to free speech, the harder it will be to take it away from us.
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