27 Jun, 2007

‘There’s Nothing Fair About the Fairness Doctrine’

Posted by: Rob Bluey In: Capitol Hill

Senators Dick Durbin (Ill.) and John Kerry (Mass.) are the latest Democrats to call for reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine, but they’ll face a tough fight from conservatives if they’re serious about bringing back this disastrous policy.

Rep. Mike Pence (R.-Ind.) is leading the charge. Today the former radio-show host introduced the Broadcaster Freedom Act, legislation that would effectively prohibit the FCC from imposing the Fairness Doctrine on broadcasters. Pence credited Rep. Tom Price (R.-Ga.) for coming up with the name “Freedom Doctrine.” During a conference call with bloggers this morning, Pence said bluntly, “There’s nothing fair about the Fairness Doctrine.” (My colleague James Gattuso has more on Technology Liberation Front.)

To cover all bases, Pence has also teamed with Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R.-Tex.) and Rep. Jeff Flake (R.-Ariz.) to offer an amendment to the financial services appropriations bill to cut off funds from being used to enact the Fairness Doctrine for fiscal 2008.

While Pence is clearly ready to fight Democrat attempts to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine, he’s well aware of the tough ask ahead. As I noted on Sunday, even some Republicans have turned against talk radio in recent weeks, threatening GOP unity on this issue. Personally, I still believe that Democrats would have a hard time pulling this off given the market forces at work. Then again, anything is possible in Washington.

UPDATE — 12:20 p.m.: Michelle Malkin has on the call with Pence and has more details about his bill.

UPDATE — 12:36 p.m.: Amanda Carpenter has a story up on Townhall.

1 Response to "‘There’s Nothing Fair About the Fairness Doctrine’"

1 | Right Voices » Blog Archive » Becareful What You Wish For With The Unfairness Doctrine

June 27th, 2007 at 12:39 pm

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