Is there growing opposition to re-imposition of the so-called Fairness Doctrine or is there a clever effort -- maybe a plot? -- to convince opponents of the doctrine that they need not worry?
The Fairness Doctrine is nothing but censorship. In substance, a talk-show host either must advocate both sides of an issue or give those who disagree with his or her view the opportunity to present their opposition on the talk show.
There now are reports that many prominent news figures and high-profile Democratic leaders oppose re-imposition of the doctrine. Former CBS anchor Dan Rather is reported to be opposed. Because most liberal candidates for federal office favor the doctrine, it truly would be news -- and most welcome news! -- if a significant number of them were opposed to the doctrine.
This especially would be meaningful if, as appears likely, the next Administration and Congress are under strongly liberal leadership.
However, are these reports anywhere near accurate? Is there really a significant movement among leaders of the left and others, if any “others” there be, to oppose re-imposition? Or is some or all of the noise created to lull opponents of the Fairness Doctrine into forgetting about it so the proponents can combine their forces and ram it through?
Whichever applies, all of us who believe in free speech must continue to be vigilant. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty . . .” and also the price of freedom of the airwaves.
More than once in all my years in Washington I have seen a movement organize itself quietly and effectively and successfully. Well and good when it’s a movement for freedom or another good cause. But wrecking talk shows by curbing their free speech is censorship and danger. Let us continue our vigilance.
(Six times over the past three years, I have addressed the Fairness Doctrine in this column. The most recent such column raises a ground for hope – litigation -- if the next president and the 111th Congress re-impose the doctrine. All columns (posted July 30, 2008; June 27, 2008; June 26, 2007; April 15, 2007; February 5, 2007; and December 5, 2006) are available at the Free Congress Foundation Web site.)