Fairness Doctrine
People like this really scare me:
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) told nationally syndicated talk host Bill Press this morning that the recent flips of liberal Talk stations in several markets were a “disservice to the public.”
Stabenow said that, in the day of the Fairness Doctrine, “you had to have balance,” and continued, “I think something that requires that in a market with owners that have multiple stations that they have got to have balance — there has to be some community interest — balance, you know, standard that says both sides have to be heard.”
Stabenow told Press that the airwaves are “dominated by one view” that “overwhelms people’s opinions — and, unfortunately, incorrectly,” and said that “right-wing conservative talk hosts” are “trying to make people angry and saying all kinds of things that aren’t true and so on.”
When Press asked if it is time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine, Stabenow responded, “I think it’s absolutely time to pass a standard.” To Press’ inquiry as to whether she will push for hearings in the Seante “to bring these owners in and hold them accountable,” Stabenow replied, “I have already had some discussions with colleagues, and, you know, I feel like that’s going to happen. Yep.”
Whatever happened to allowing the free markets decide what goes over the air waves. The thing is, there is a reason why shows like Rush and Hannity have been on for a long time and are very popular. People listen to them…on both sides. Yes, it is true that they often spread the right wing rhetoric and often only tell one side of the story. But its one persons opinion.
But, what about the liberal point of view? Excellent question! Why don’t we have someone that is on the air waves spreading the liberal point of view. There is, its called Air America. Feel free to find one in your local area.
It still comes back to the free market. The people can choose to listen to Rush/Hannity or they can choose to listen to Air America or whatever other local radio talk show host that you may have. These shows are on because people listen to them so advertisers advertise on them. Allowing the government step in to control what opinions we can hear and which ones we cannot hear is a recipe for disaster. It can and will be taken too far and soon we will get one opinion coming across the public air waves. And it will be whatever party is controlling the government at that time. Which, once you control it, it will be hard for any other voice to be heard. It will be a sad day when the fairness doctrine gets passed.
Start writing to your representatives now before this ever gets off the ground.
