Fairness Doctrine

Many Idahoans have expressed concerns over proposals to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine and increasing federal regulations over public broadcasting. Government awareness and accountability are important aspects of a healthy and vibrant democracy. However, it is also important that any attempts to modify current policies to broadcast fair and equal content is done in such a way that appropriately permits Americans to exercise their constitutionally-guaranteed right to free speech.

As you may know, certain members of Congress have discussed the possibility of introducing legislation that would reinstate the 1949 Fairness Doctrine as a law. The Fairness Doctrine was a policy of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that required broadcasters to make time available for the airing of opposing viewpoints.

The FCC issued the Fairness Doctrine in 1949 on the principle that public broadcasters had a duty to the public interest given that there were so few of them. Since that time, the landscape of telecommunications has greatly changed, with an increase in television stations, radio stations, and more significantly, the introduction of the Internet. Today, the Fairness Doctrine would instigate market interference by the federal government, while failing to encompass all forms of communications, such as newspapers and the Internet.

I am a co-sponsor of S. 34, introduced by Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) that would bar the return of the Fairness Doctrine for broadcasters.

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