by David Brown

Created on: February 25, 2009

The Fairness Doctrine is a doctrine established by the FCC not anytime recently, but dates back to the 1940s if not earlier. The Fairness Doctrine relates to the idea that radio stations as well as television stations have the right to air as long as different points of view are allowed, not only one. The Fairness Doctrine was under scrutiny and was controversial from the get go. " In a 1987 case, Meredith Corp. v. FCC, the courts declared that the doctrine was not mandated by Congress and the FCC did not have to continue to enforce it. The FCC dissolved the doctrine in August of that year." (HTTP://www.museum.TV/archives/etv/F/HTML/fairnessdo ct/fairnessdoct.htm). Today, the Fairness Doctrine is not in effect due to many issues of it not being constitutional as it possibly could be in violation of the First Amendment rights. However, it is possible that since the Legislative Branch of the United States as well as the Executive Branch of the United States are controlled by the Democrats, the Fairness Doctrine could find its way back into the lives of radio and television stations, practically shutting them down because of not reaching out to the opposition.

Case in point is Cable Station Fox 37 News. There has been many discussions that the reintroduction of the Fairness Doctrine would all but shut that cable station down. At the same time, this writer, who is a converted Conservative, believes that Fox 37 is more than fair and balanced and it proved this during the presidential campaign between Barrack Obama and John McCain. It did appear to some degree that the Democratic candidate(s) got just as much time on that station as the Republican Candidates and possibly more. So, it is in this writer's opinion that most Conservative Radio Stations or those that appear to be representing the Conservatives more, at this time are operating within the confines of the law. However, there are many stations that are catering to the Democrats and they appear to be declaring bankruptcy because the American people want to hear what both sides want to hear.

Should the present administration has its way, it is very possible that the Fairness Doctrine will rear its ugly head once again. If this happens and it is reenacted then a station like Fox 37, WSB 750 in Atlanta, Georgia could find itself nearing an end to their time on the airwaves. This certainly sounds like it is a doctrine that is attempting to muzzle the Conservatives from wanting to express their opinions, even though they are covering both sides of the issue.

This writer believes that since the United States is a country with a two party, if not a three party or more political system (Libertarian and Independent), and all parties have a right to express their parties platforms and their ideals. However, to bring back the Fairness Doctrine at this time would certainly do harm to the American people because they will find it hard to express their views, not having an outlet to do so.

It does appear that the Fairness Doctrine may be alive and well within the print media because this writer has made attempts since 2001 to submit articles to his state's newspaper and unfortunately met with deaf ears and blind eyes. Most of the articles written were praising the President for his actions in the attacks of 2001, and praising the troops after the invasion of Iraq. It is possible that the newspapers may not have had room or was following some kind of series type article submission, but this was not the case. Most of the articles written by this writer, were flat out rejected. If this is not the Fairness Doctrine, what would it be called?

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