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Fairness Doctrine
FOX, Lies & Videotape: debunking an internet myth
Published on November 3, 2009 11:00 AM
Category: Fairness Doctrine, Press
Much ado is being made about the supposed "war" between the Obama White House and FOX News. As the New York Times reports: Attacking the news media is a time-honored White House tactic but to an unusual degree, the Obama administration has narrowed its sights to one specific organization, the Fox News Channel, calling it, in essence, part of the political opposition. "We're going to treat them the way we would treat an opponent," said Anita Dunn, the White House communications
'Localism' booster now on the FCC payroll
Published on August 7, 2009 09:55 AM
Category: Fairness Doctrine
The FCC has hired communications attorney Mark Lloyd as its new "Chief Diversity Officer," reports Seton Motley of the Media Research Center. Lloyd's hiring is concerning because he co-wrote the white paper for proponents of returning to the "fairness doctrine" or implementing "localism," code words for government regulation of broadcast speech. Lloyd's Center for American Progress (CAP) paper, "The Structural Imbalance of Political Talk Radio," suggested the government wield greater contr
Bill Press argues for the “fairness doctrine” (badly)
Published on April 14, 2009 06:00 AM
Category: Fairness Doctrine
Last week US News & World Report offered competing op-eds by Bill Press and Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) on whether the so-called "fairness doctrine" should return to talk radio. Predictably, in his call for bringing the "fairness doctrine" back, Press had a number of - interesting, shall we say - statements. First up was his statement that "nobody" is calling for bringing back the "fairness doctrine." I don't know about you, but I think I'd feel vaguely
“Localism” is the new “fairness doctrine”
Published on March 5, 2009
Category: Fairness Doctrine
The bill containing Senator Jim DeMint's amendment banning the return of the so-called "fairness doctrine" (more appropriately called the Censorship Doctrine) is currently on hold, as House leadership considers what to do with another amendment to the bill concerning gun rights. Even if the bill passes, however, the threat to free and unfettered political speech on the radio remains. "Localism" has become the new buzzword for those seeking to put broadcasters under the thumb
Senate votes overwhelmingly to adopt DeMint amendment on 'Fairness Doctrine'
Published on February 26, 2009 05:03 PM
Category: Fairness Doctrine
The Senate voted overwhelmingly today to adopt an amendment by Sen. Jim DeMint banning the reinstatement of the so-called Fairness Doctrine.The amendment, approved on a 87-11 vote, would prevent the draconian speech control last in effect in 1987 from returning. It still must be approved with a vote on the final Senate bill, which must then be reconciled with the House bill with the provision intact. Even if the amendment survives final legislative wrangling, the fight over government cont
Obama still opposes "Fairness Doctrine"
Published on February 19, 2009 01:40 PM
Category: Fairness Doctrine
The expanding number of activists demanding a return of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" in talk radio were dealt a significant blow - again - by President Obama, who's spokesperson yesterday confirmed again that the President remains opposed to the return of the "Fairness Doctrine." As reported by Anne Kornblut of the Washington Post: President Obama does not support reviving the so-called Fairness doctrine, an aide said on Wednesday, knocking down speculation that Obama wa
Fairness Doctrine, more watts not the cure for progressive talk radio
Published on February 18, 2009 06:00 AM
Category: Fairness Doctrine
Looks like another progressive radio operation has folded, this time Nova M, founded by former Air America founders Sheldon and Anita Drobney. My prediction, this will be used as yet more "evidence" of the need for a return of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" (I have a custom Magic 8-Ball that I use in these situations for guidance).According to Brian Maloney of the Radio Equalizer web site, Nova AM is closing its doors:Libtalk network Nova M Radio has been shut down, accord
That which we call the Fairness Doctrine, By any other name would smell as foul
Published on February 16, 2009
Category: Fairness Doctrine, Internet Regulation
Yet another voice has been added to those calling for government regulation of speech over the air through a return of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine," that of Representative Henry Waxman, now Chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. From today's America Spectator online: Senior FCC staff working for acting Federal Communications Commissioner Michael Copps held meetings last week with policy and legislative advisers to House Energy and Commerce Committee Cha
Another Setback for the Officer Barbrady Chorus on the "Fairness Doctrine"
Published on February 11, 2009 11:52 AM
Category: Fairness Doctrine
We've been told repeatedly that there is no serious effort to bring back the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" (what would better be called the Censorship Doctrine) in talk radio, which would put politicians and their appointees in charge of political speech on the air. I recently wrote about efforts to mock and deride those of us concerned about the return of the "Fairness Doctrine," and to claim that it is simply paranoid delusion to worry about this. Jason Linkins at the Huffi
Even Paranoids Have Enemies, Part II
Published on February 6, 2009
Category: Fairness Doctrine
In this post, we noted that liberal bloggers and columnists have taken to poo-poohing the idea of reinstatement of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine," but also noted that whatever their words, in fact their is strong pressure to from the left wing of the party to use the "Fairness Doctrine" to limit conservative talk radio.On February 5th Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow voiced her interest in silencing conservative talk radio through a reins
