Some Democrats want to revive the Fairness Doctrine, a 1949 policy that once required broadcasters to present different points of view in issues-oriented programs. In other words, along with Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, you'd receive a generous helping of Al Franken and James Carville.
Republican Reps. Jeb Hensarling of Texas, Mike Pence of Indiana and Jeff Flake of Arizona are working to prevent such an assault on free speech. On Thursday, the U.S. House voted 309-115 in favor of their amendment to a spending bill, which would bar the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from using certain federal funds to enforce the Fairness Doctrine, should it be reinstated.
Today, Pence introduced the Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2007, which would prevent the FCC from resurrecting the doctrine that was eliminated in 1987 after the agency found it had a "chilling effect" on free speech.
"Congress must take action to ensure that this archaic remnant of a bygone era of American radio does not return," Pence said in a statement. "There is nothing fair about the Fairness Doctrine."
On his Thursday talk show, Sean Hannity called the Fairness Doctrine "a direct assault on the First Amendment."
Historically, when the Fairness Doctrine was in effect, many broadcast outlets – especially Christian radio stations – chose to avoid issues programming.
Democrats including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Sen. John Kerry reportedly have suggested that Congress should reinstate the doctrine.
“We want to thank Congressmen Pence, Hensarling and Flake for taking the lead in fighting back against the 'unfairness' doctrine," said Ashley Horne, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "This bipartisan vote (on the amendment) shows that government censorship of the airwaves is as unpopular now as it was when the doctrine was rightfully eliminated 20 years ago.”
TAKE ACTION
Please thank the three representatives for defending the First Amendment rights of conservative radio stations. Congress is on its July Fourth break, but their Washington, D.C., offices can log your comments.
Mike Pence: (202) 225-3021
Jeb Hensarling: (202) 225-3484
Jeff Flake: (202) 225-2635
Also, contact your U.S. representative's office to voice your support for the Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2007. If you are a CitizenLink Daily Update subscriber, click on the blue "Take Action" button in the e-mail to be automatically logged in to our Action Center. Otherwise, click on this link.
