Pre Emptive Strike On "UnFairness" Doctrine Yesterday

The only way republicans and conservatives get their voices and ideas heard in the next two years of the Dem overload in Washington will be through creative legislation, working smarter instead of harder, beating liberals to the punch like this bill does. Getting them all on the record against free speech in broadcasting leading to regulation in other areas without a doubt, which it's quite obvious this outdated law from the 60's when there were only 3 tv networks will do.

Republicans seek to bar Fairness Doctrine's return:

Washington Times -"Republicans introduced a bill Wednesday that would bar Congress, President-elect Barack Obama and federal media regulators from bringing back the Fairness Doctrine, which they said would all but eliminate the talk-radio industry.

The doctrine, a 1949 requirement that broadcasters present opposing points of view on political issues, was scrapped in 1987 after the Federal Communications Commission said it restricted journalistic freedom. But a new administration with the power to appoint members of the FCC, along with Democratic gains in both chambers on Capitol Hill, has renewed fears among Republicans that the doctrine could be revived.

'Freedom of speech is under attack in this country,' said Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican and co-sponsor of the Broadcaster Freedom Act. 'I am just committing today to use every rule, every tactic that we have at our disposal to keep the Fairness Doctrine from moving in Congress or to overrule it if it is implemented by the FCC.'

Many credit the rise of talk radio to the demise of the Fairness Doctrine, which also governed television broadcasters. If it were to be reimposed, sponsors of the bill said the entire medium would be threatened.

'Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine today would amount to government control over political views expressed on the airwaves"said Rep Mike Pence, Indiana Republican and a former broadcaster.continued

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