The Fairness Doctrine/Media Deregulation [View All]

[bryant69]

Is anybody following this closely? My understanding is that the FCC relaxed rules that allowed media companies to own different organizations within the same town. So that they could dominate the viewpoints presented. The FCC passed the rule; but several congress people including both liberals and more traditional conservatives have promised to pass legislation overturning the new rule.

Well all of a sudden the right has counterattacked. Apparently Congressperson Maurice Hinchey (who I don't know) has suggested bringing back the fairness doctrine (which, let's face it, is a deeply flawed doctrine, albeit one based on noble principles). The Wall Street Journal and Rush Limbaugh have painted these two issues as one, and are attacking. Rush Limbaugh assumes that the fairness doctrine would knock him off the air. (for Rush's commentary --> http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_091203/content/truth_detector.guest.html )

As near as I can tell they are pulling some slight of hand; suggesting that not allowing Fox to own ever news source in, say, Pittsburgh will somehow lead to Rush being "silenced." Does anybody know anything additional on this issue?

Bryant
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