The Democratic candidates must support a return of Media Fairness.

[Cascadian]

I want to see the Democratic candidates bring the Fairness Doctrine once enforced by the FCC and thrown out by Reagan. This is why you have wackoids like Limbaugh, Hannity, and Faux News out there and the right-wing bias that's out there. This is also why Clinton had the problems he had. He should have brought it back during his tenure in office. This is also why Dean is having the problems with the media now.

Either way, the Fairness Doctrine must return for a real "fair and balanced" media.


John

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Absolutely right!

The media today reminds me of what I was told that the Soviet Media was like during the Cold War.

[Eric J in MN]

2. The theory behind dropping the Fairness Doctrine was that

The theory behind dropping the Fairness Doctrine was that ownership-limits would prevent a big company from dominating.

Now FCC Chairman Michael Powell (Colin Powell's son) has dropped those limits.

I saw Michael Powell say in an interview with George Stephanopolous, "I'm not for media conglomeration, either."

He's as honest as his father.

[DeepModem Mom]

3. Right now, the DNC could stop the inquisitions that pass for tv debates...

and come up with an alternative fairer to our candidates and more helpful and informative to voters.

[shance]

4. So true Cascadian. It is one of the BIGGIES***

Along with the BBV issue....

[Cascadian]

5. I think more people should address this issue

If they ever come across the candidates in their hometown. They should insist that this become a topic. Freedom of the press and media is dying in this country. It's time to bring this up more and more.


John

[AlinPA]

6. I know of nothing (re:Fairness) in place to prevent broadcast

media from rejecting Democrat campaign ads. I could see Fox affiliates shutting out all Dem ads nationwide. What's to stop them? Same goes with Clear Channel radio stations and many newspapers.

[nancyharris]

7. The fairness doctrine

has nothing to do with political commentary. It will not remove any political bias (either liberal or conservative). The fairness doctrine (with regards to the FCC) simply ruled that if you give (free) air time to one political candidate you must give an equal amount of (free) air time to opposition candidates. It would in no way diminish the amount of conservative views voiced on radio or TV.