WASHINGTON (CNN) - More and more Democrats in Congress are calling for action that Republicans warn could muzzle right-wing talk radio.
Representative Maurice Hinchey, a Democrat from New York is the latest to say he wants to bring back the "Fairness Doctrine," a federal regulation scrapped in 1987 that would require broadcasters to present opposing views on public issues.
"I think the Fairness Doctrine should be reinstated," Hinchey told CNNRadio. Hinchey says he could make it part of a bill he plans to introduce later this year overhauling radio and t-v ownership laws.
Listen: Hinchey says he wants to make talk-radio more fair
Democratic Senators Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Tom Harkin of Iowa added their voices recently to those calling for a return of the regulation.
Republicans oppose the Fairness Doctrine, arguing it would be wrong for the federal government to monitor political speech on the airwaves, in order to require opposing views.
Republican Congressman Greg Walden, a former owner of five radio stations in Oregon including a "classic rock" station joked that the Fairness Doctrine is "the musical equivalent" of "every time we'd play a classic rock song we'd have to play a polka!"
From CNN Politics
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Wow. All the liberal newspapers and TV news outlets out there and the liberals want to muzzle talk radio??
Time for War!!
I'd like to suggest a Truth Doctrine instead of a Fairness Doctrine. Utterances over the airwaves that are proven to be demonstrably false, including those with such weak disclaimers as "I believe", etc, should require a recant comment immediately when proven false... perhaps a "correction" crawl. Should put Faux News right outta business.
Grog
I guess freedom of speech is out the door with the democrats in charge
So does this mean the NY times LA times and NBC all have to have conservative opposing views?????
It's not like there is alternative sources of information – like on a competing radio station... If you can't beat them – silence them.
who wants to listen to either side both sides are one way conversations.
THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!! DEMS ARE SERIOUSLY THE BIGGEST JOKE TO THIS COUNTRY!!
You don't need to reinstate the fairness doctrine.
Just make sure that Propagandists can't label their swill as news.
I'm looking right at you, Fox News.
This is the dumbest thing i ever heard. Now i'll be the first to admit my disdain for Limbaugh and Hannity, but I don't have to listen to them so who cares what they have to say.
Wow! NY Times LA Times NBC ABC need I say more? "My comment is waiting moderaton"
Republican censorship is good. We don't need but one voice to listen too now...
Government at work...This is absolutely crazy...What are we Cuba, Venezuela, old Russia or old East Germany? The radio waves are public domain. Government stay out. If someone doesn't want to listen to something being said on the radio – CHANGE THE CHANNEL! If this happens, we have government controlled media just like all of the other socialistis countries.
Socialism is on the rise in America and we have to stop it now!!!
Why the focus on radio – what about Left Wing television, such as NBC, MSNBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, PBS? And the Left Wing newspapers: NTY Los ANgeles Times, Washington Post, ad nauseum. Of course, the latter are going broke because no one reads that trash any more.
Nobody wants to "muzzle" right wing talk.
Progressive radio just wants a even playing field.
You are dishonest and wrong.
The return of the faireness doctrine would put Fox news out of business!!
Whatever happened to Freedom of Speech? If you dislike what you hear/see on the radio or tv, then change the station/channel. It's called common sense, which the majority of the citizens of this country are lacking these days.
Didn't the 1st Amendment limit the Governments Restriction on Speech?
Who would monitor and who would determine what is an opposing view? The Government? See 1st question.
The liberals tried radio and failed? Isnt the NY times, LA Times, NBC, ABC etc etc enough????
Yeah, we should do this. It would turn these Liberal and Conservative blowhards into real journalist. It is too much preaching to the converted in talk radio. Some of these radio programs have just degenerated down to "hate-fest". We need real soultions that educate and inform people, not tell them what they want to hear to futher a liberal or conservation view-point and/or ideaology. Let protect their freedom of speech though by giving them the right to editorialize on their broadcast.
Freedom of speech being targeted under the disguise of "The Fairness Doctrine". Can the democrats sink any lower?
Good something has to be done they have no respect anymore for anyone!!!!! Repubs!!!!
This won't go anywhere! Most radio pundits will say that the Fairness Issue isn't all that important now that a Democrat has come into teh the Presidency. During teh Bush administration, the Fairness Issue was important but was obviously overlooked. Hinchley may as well be singing to the choir. Ed Shultz, for example, has spoken time and again that teh Fairness Issue or Doctrine is a non-starter and is unimportant. It is only important to the right-wing as matter that may demonstrate one-sidedness against them, and these trump this issue for that concern. This isn't going anywhere!
What do you call Air America if it is not a liberal viewpoint radio station? The problem with the liberal programs is no one listens to them therefore no one wants to advertise on those stations making them a financial disaster. Lets not forget about the first amendment. We don't need to legislate this issue.
Given how the Neo-Cons have Hannity, Beck, Limbaugh, Coulter, O'Reilly, Ingram spewing so much hypocracy and a dangerously prejudiced tone to their followers and listeners, coupling that to how McCain AND Palin ran the most vitriol presidential race in the history of this country, I would say that it is high time we brought back the Fairness Doctrine. I'm an African American who lives in ST. Pete, FL, and I can't tell you how many stations air that Neo-Con garbage over the airways.
Conservatives do not want to hear the side of the liberals. That is why it is called conservative talk radio. If there was a market for liberal's talk radio, then pursue it. We are resourceful enough to find other ways to communicate. If the liberals do succeed in this "unfairness doctrine" please make certain that you warn us that an opposing strange, perveted view is about to air so we may change the channel or turn off the station. We want to protect the little ears of our children from the profanity of the liberal doctrine. Thanks, but no thanks to the unfairness doctrine.
Yes, this right wing propaganda vehicle for inflaming the populace has to be muzzled. The guy Adkisson who went about shooting people at a liberal church in TN last year was a dittohead and if you read his statements and views, they sound verbatim like you would hear from a Hannity, Savage, Levine, Boortz or any of these right wing cooks that crowd out sane thought from the public airwaves.
How could anyone see this as a bad thing? Why was it lifted in the first place? Right wing everything is propaganda – rarely is science used to bolster an argument or rarely are they open minded about any issue when fact or science is introduced.
The Dems don't like what these "Right-Wing" hosts are saying so they want to silence them by forcing radio stations to give "Equal time" to I guess, "Left-Wing" radio hosts.
Stations don't want to have "Left- wing" Talk radio because it doesn't sell, no one will listen. Just look at Air America, it was bank-rolled by "Left Wingers" and pushed by MSM outlets but failed to muster any real sizeable audience.
The chilling effort here is to stop these Hosts from saying what they say on the radio and to deny millions of people from hearing it.
Agree 100%. These pompous idiots need to be stopped. They have a following of sheep who call, contact, write letters according to the talking points put out by these evil men, making most sensible issues seem like everyone is against them. All it takes is one mention of an issue and its heard around the country. I listen to CSpan and you wouldnt believe the comments about ACORN like its even relevent. You know the caller has no idea what ACORN even represents. These guys have way too much power over the ignorant.
Message is being sent loud and clear, guys – this administration will tolerate no dissent.
Gotcha.
How about fairness doctrine in colleges and unviersites? They get funding from the government and can anyone honestly say that, there are discussions about conservative issues in those campuses?
The Fairness Doctrine worked beautifully for decades, until Reagan and the right wing decided they didn't like TRULY "fair and balanced" reporting and news, and Reagan killed it.
Flash forward to today: an extreme partisan like Limbaugh signs a new contract to the tune of HALF A BILLION DOLLARS to say things like "I hope Obama fails!" after 8 solid years of telling people that criticicizing the President was akin to treason.
We, as a Nation, have our well of public discourse constantly poisoned by the likes of Limbaugh and hypocritical jingoists of his ilk.
Bring back the Fairness Doctrine and truthful news. We're all poorer when we allow ideology to dominate our discussions regarding the very serious problems that we face as a Nation.
This issue is always covered so poorly. The issue is not 'shutting down' anyone, or picking isolated commenters and limiting their free speech. It's about allowing a fair playing field – and not giving free airwaves to one side exclusively. It's about allowing some overall balance – it doesn't even have to be 50/50, but it sure shouldn't be 90/10 and trying to limit it even further.
Listen to NPR on Saturday morning, especially Daniel Schorr's left-wing commentary. There is NO conservative commentator on the program. Will the Democrats demand balance here?
Translated, liberal talk radio is such an utter failure and conservative talk radio such a smashing success that the Democrats respond in the same way they do to everything: more governmental control! Idiots!! Deliver us from this "change we can believe in"!
I think of myself as middle of the road politically. I don't always agree with commentators I hear on the radio, but how can anyone be serious about regulating free speech based on content? If some of these posters think the "neocons" (that phrase is getting tiresome) are spewing "garbage", then refute them with ideas, not name-calling. Do you have so little confidence in your own views that you want the government to shut down other people's views? Are you kidding me? Is this America, or North Korea? What is going on with this country?
I am a liberal democrat and I would not like to see this. This is freedom of speech. The right wing conservatives wouldn't listen to the liberal point of view anyway and only think the way they are told to think. I find it hysterically funny that Rush calls Obama the Messiah. I am an Obama supporter and no way do I think he's the Messiah. However, Rush's dittoheads do whatever he says, think like he tells them to think. Who is the "Messiah" here anyway.
"... It's about allowing a fair playing field ..."
No... This is not correct. It is about forcing unwanted liberal content onto stations that don't want it.
There is a difference.
Fairness Doctrine!
What, are you saying that lies, and misrepresentation will no-longer be allowed! How can one expect programs like "Faux news" and the Rush happy hour to survive?
Please, without domestic propaganda how can average Americans make un-informed decisions?
Sounds really scary..........
@ Sam Jones -
How can you possibly say that the Right is spewing propaganda, when, on virtually every occasion, their claims have been backed up with hard evidence, and the MSM merely buries it...? Their tone may not be all "candied up," for you libs, but they are speaking and raising issues about Obama's agenda that will have a detrimental affect on generations to come....can't you libs see that? This country's been through ~70 recessions, and each time it's recovered. Now's not the time to look to the government to solve problems...why? Because they're like an unwelcomed relative; you invite them in, and they never leave. With this stim pkg you' re surrendering your privacy, the privacy of your children....and you're letting the government control your existence...are you happy with Social Security? Education ? The TARP? Even liberals are unhappy, yet they unconditionally trust the unproven, little known Obama because they want goodness. Guys like Rush and Hannity are merely raising issue with the things all of us need to be aware of; if it's a good decision, they say so. Case in point; the CENSUS manuever. Obama wants to slide it under white house control...why? To send funds to ACORN and rezone congressional districts to fill the government with minorities that will support the "savior based economy." We shouldn't be like that as a country; that's shameful. I realize Bush wasn't liked, but he's gone. You don't jump from the frying pan into the fire.....wise up libs.
Anyone who supports this has gone completely insane! So, you don't like what someone is saying...or agree with their views...and your answer is to censor them? Oh, wait, this is "Fairness"! You liberal nuts who even come on here and support anything like this amaze me. First, your Messiah pushes a clearly Socialist agenda, and now you want the government to turn to Communist control of our speech. You disgust me, and any other rational American...regardless of party.
Right-wing radio is a never-ending source of the hate, ignorance and fear that have gone so far in destroying our country.
The most bigoted vial talking heads are Dems Al Franken and Bill Maher! Would this mean that Keith Olberman and MSNBC would have to hire conservatives? What about NPR?
History has shown us that when one group of ideas are represented and opposing views are silenced the societies lose their ability to function. if you need proof of that look at Hitler's Germany, Stalins Russia, Mao's China. If those are your ideas of Democracy then you really aren't an American. I'm an intelligent person and I ask that you let me hear both sides an argument so I can make up my own mind not have it made for me.
Appears to be a lot of little Stalinists on this board! "Hate Speech" to the liberals is anyone bringing up anything that might expose them for the frauds they are. Liberals are all for free speech – as long as it agrees with them. If it doesn't and they can't debate it, it's labeled as hate speech. Liberals are void of morals and intellectual backing. So they scream over those they disagree with or call them names. This list of postings from the left shows it. Shut up the opposition!
OK, so if the airwaves are going to be regulated, then how about what is on the TV? Most of the crap that spews forth from my TV is left-wing garbage. Left-wing radio constantly fails because noone listens to their crap – just ask Air America. All under the ruse of "fairness". phhh. This is scary stuff – people can say whatever they want. If you don't like it, don't listen to it, it will go out of business. It's called the marketplace.
James...the fairness doctrine did NOT work beautifully for decades. We are still suffering from the liberal bilge spilled forth unabated in the sixties. Only when the fairness doctrine was eliminated did Americans start to realize there was even a conservative point of view.
The democrats tried talk radio, it was called Air America – it failed.
I ask my friends if they remember the term "false advertisement". Some think that it is still a liable claim. I tell them that it went away with the "Fairness Doctrine"; another casualty of the Regan dynasty. His administration must have known that in order to effectively conduct the Regan Legacy Project, truth and facts must first be cleared from the airwaves. How else could anyone believe that Regan "cut taxes", or reduced the government. Truth: He made a shameful deal with Iran to get himself elected, financed the CIA with drug money, spent money like it was Monopoly cash, took credit for the fall of the Berlin wall. All would have been impossible with an informed public. The death of Fairness in this country undermines the culture that made the US different; honesty and chivalry. In the long term. this imperfect knowledge base makes us stupid, uninformed, and thereby makes us weak.
Will this doctrine finally make MSNBC fair and balance?
Liberals are such open-minded people that they welcome all views, right? So let's end conservative talk radio, O.K.? If that occurs, will we impose the "Fairness Doctrine" on TV and newspapers? That would be fun, wouldn't it? I can't wait to see MSNBC's new broadcast lineup with alternating views: Matthews, Limbaugh, Olbermann, Coulter, etc.
The hate that conservative radio smears over the airwaves is deplorable. Obama is bending over backwards to make positive changes in Washington...reaching out to all partys only to be mocked on Fox in particular. I pray he doesn't have the "beer with Hannity" in the oval office. The rude and disrespectful way that Hannity describes Obama as arrogant and a liar only serves to cause more hate but for Hannity, not Obama. The meeting will serve no purpose. It will only cause Hannity to repeat the GOP talking points...especially the "cumba yah" all pundits use at least once a week in mocking Obama. What a horrible station Fox.
The issue is that the wealthy few and the media corporations are RIGHT-WING conservatives. So, they can and will fund right-wing talk radio and get advertising dollars from these same conservatives. The absence of a Fairness Doctrine has allowed the wealthy to manipulate what we hear. (This is the same process as the religious organizations buying up Healthcare Providers to limit abortion options). So, yes, bring back the Fairness Doctrine and view it as "regulation for the airwaves"!
From my point of view, Right-wing talk radio (RWTR) has contributed little if anything to intelligent, constructive political and social discourse in our intellectually declining nation. RWTR has actively cultivated a peculiar "strategy" of making already uninformed people even more so. By means of propaganda, brainwashing, "de-education," neo-McCarthyism, call it what you will, RWTR foments anger and disseminates misinformation; it promotes special interests, and has in general greatly endangered the American people–while making Rush Limbaugh and his "offspring" extraordinarily rich. And their wealth is the credulity of the American people.
The last several decades (and weeks) have demonstrated that the "free market" is not so free, and neither is the free speech that many in Europe and America fought for during the Enlightenment and continue to fight for to this day. During the last 30 years, America has seen the extreme form of unrestrained freedom for the few and privileged, which is no freedom at all. The essential symmetry of freedom and responsibility is at last in 2009 being seriously addressed in the national theatre.
It's 2009: It's time for responsibility, regulation, and accountability.
I never heard one opposing view on Gore's "Air America"... This will be just one more step toward total control by the Democratic party (socialism and censorship). If it isn't what they want to hear, then the Democrats will suppress it. CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and some others are already hard left in their reporting.
This "Fairness Doctorine" is BS. Who cares if the lunatic, right-wing, wacko, fringe listens to idiots like Rush, Hannity, and O'Reilly on the radio????? What are we taling about here, the 21% of the country who approved of the job Bush did? They're a bunch of nuts who deserve to be led deeper into the wilderness by the Limbaugh's of the world.
Ann Searcy February 13th, 2009 12:25 pm ET
The hate that conservative radio smears over the airwaves is deplorable. Obama is bending over backwards to make positive changes in Washington…reaching out to all partys only to be mocked on Fox in particular. I pray he doesn't have the "beer with Hannity" in the oval office. The rude and disrespectful way that Hannity describes Obama as arrogant and a liar only serves to cause more hate but for Hannity, not Obama. The meeting will serve no purpose. It will only cause Hannity to repeat the GOP talking points…especially the "cumba yah" all pundits use at least once a week in mocking Obama. What a horrible station Fox.
_____________________________________________________
So I guess Olbermann and Hannity are ok, they are the same just the left version.
I think the conservative talk radio folks do more to divide this nation than anyone else. They breed hatred and divisiveness. They rip and tear at our national unity and that is all they accomplish.
However, a fairness doctrine is stupidity. It could easily be circumvented with dimwit "competing opinion" actors. The liberals just need to do more to compete in the market and develop their own programs on a national level. I'd listen, we just don't get any here. I used to listed to the hate radio until it went out of business ... it's good to know the enemy. While I respect the opinions of Republicans and others, these shock jocks on conservative radio are just out of their heads. Proven by Rush Limbaugh's addiction to opiates.... he's just in a fantasy world brought on by addiction to painkillers ... those things make your head spin.
@ Ann Searcy -
You're sadly mistaken if you think Obama's trying to make positive changes in Washington. He's already stated, through written and verbal word, that he disagrees with the essence of this country, it's principles, and what it's found on. Obama is all about Obama.....an EGO the size of TEXAS. So, if you want to silence the conservative hosts, what about Chris Mathews? Olberman? Roland Martin of CNN? All are pro-Obama, so I guess they're not haters, huh?
You see, Obama wants to reach across the aisle...and work together, putting politics aside...he wants to do ALL THAT...as long as you agree with what he's proposing....if not, you're an obstructionist, you're "the same old Washington," and any other term his speech writer can derive that shifts the blame, reduces suspicion on his agenda, and portrays a sense guilt....on behalf of the questionors.....
Educate yourself before you keep supporting someone you know so litte about.
You are all wrong Rush is not leading his listeners.....he is a voice for his listeners. I am just guessing but most of you lefties commenting have probably never listened to him yourselves and have no idea what you are talking about. But you love Bill Maher the most offensive talking head?
You right wingers have no right to use the publicly owned airwaves to spew hate and lies. That's the bottom of it.
What are you blabbing about?
GE and Murdoch and Turner are the big 3
GE is very pro democratic and left wing. They control NBC, CNBC, MSNBC.
Murdoch has Fox and all those affiliates and is right wing.
Turner has CNN, and seems split down the middle with a mix of both.
So, like I said again, what are you blabbing about?
Last I checked, we have first ammendment rights, and people can think and say what they want within reason.
If you want to trample your rights (like commenting on here), then go right ahead and be a hypocrite.
We need to protect free speech even if it's speech we disagree with.
The Fairness Doctrine existed and functioned well for 40 years before the Reagan administration scrapped it. Now you can see what has come about in the wake of it being scrapped. 'Conservative talk radio'. The problem with conservative talk radio is not that it presents a view with a particular bias. The problem is that in the promoting of that view, they spew tons of misinformation and outright lies in the mix and millions of people who are predisposed to believe such lies swallow it wholesale and are never presented with evidence of the lies and misinformation. (Note for anyone with muddy thinking – I am *not* claiming that everything they say is lies and misinformation. I *am* saying that buried amongst all that they say is a significant amount of lies and misinformation.)
Personally, I am inclined against requiring them to present both sides (or many sides) of an issue. But they should be held responsible for the lies and misinformation they spread. That should nip such activity in the bud and keep them on the up and up in presenting their side. It *can* be presented in a truthful and honest manner – they just don't do it because it wouldn't attract the same audience.
Something to consider... if Fox News truly is 'fair and balanced', then they already are practicing this and resinstating the Fairness Doctrine wouldn't affect them. If you're afraid that the Fairness Doctrine would force them to do something differently, then you are admitting in your gut that you know that they *aren't* fair and balanced.
What is "Fair" about forcing broadcasters to air programs that people don't want to listen to (Air America?) If Limbaugh and Hannity didn't have a LOT of listeners and, therefore, advertisers they would be off the air. The Left need to realize that there are a whole lot of people outside of New York and California.
Censorship via government mandate.
So much for free speech.
Reminds of schools today. There are no losers anymore. Everyone gets a ribbon even if they fail.
Why? Because they say it isn't fair for little Timmy to be excluded from getting an award just because he can't perform as well as the other kids.
He may get his little feelings hurt. Awwwe... Suck it up.
LIFE ISN'T FAIR!
James: I am a dyed in the wool liberal, and I listen to Rush Limbaugh EVERY SINGLE DAY because I feel it is very important to get both takes on what is going on. Unfortunately because I take the opportunity to keep myself informed, Rush comes across as a bunch of easily-negated lying clap trap.
I don't believe that anyone who cares about freedom of speech should want the Fairness Doctrine back. There are just too many problems with it from a First Amendment standpoint. It is unconstitutional to silence speech just because you hate it.
I would, however, LOVE to see libel and slander provisions in the civil code tightened up. "Journalists" from both the right and the left need to start doing the hard work and confirming stories before they are aired. Every time I hear a media outlet quoting another media outlet, I want to scream!
Anyone who thinks that the Fairness Doctrine prevents free speech doesn't really understand the Fairness Doctrine.
The AM airwaves is just a collection of state-run media. Break up the monotony and hatred. This isn't China.
Every american has the choice of whether they want to listen to the negative media ..radio or tv
I refuse to listen to them
I listen to people like David Ghergan, Martin Rolland, Ed rollins and Gloria Berger people who know how to be FAIR and give a fair asessement
they will give an honest opinion whether its fair to the president or honest criticism
I refuse to listen to the radio jocks and tv programs who look only for the negative to shine on Pres Obama
Hint -turn them OFF
That would work for me, then I would ask the Dem's of Iowa why they are pushing a raise in the GAS TAX during a recession?
Dan February 13th, 2009 12:20 pm ET
Translated, liberal talk radio is such an utter failure and conservative talk radio such a smashing success that the Democrats respond in the same way they do to everything: more governmental control! Idiots!! Deliver us from this "change we can believe in"!
****************************************************************************The difference Dan is that liberals can actually read, are proven to be more educated, and we don't need our information spoon fed to us. We check facts and things of that sort.
Oh, great! Let's just throw away the Bill of Rights while we're at it.
I don't like the right-wingers either, but this is ridiculous.
Hey Todd you say "He made a shameful deal with Iran to get himself elected, financed the CIA with drug money, spent money like it was Monopoly cash, took credit for the fall of the Berlin wall"
I'm sure you have proof to all this right?
Just another conspiracy theorist who bases his opinions and beliefs in falsehoods and not real facts.
The definition of a fact, by the way, is something that can be proven with evidence. And you have none.
You gutless little lefty twerps who never served and don't work for a living, I forgot more about politics that any of you will ever know and I would out debate you based on FACTS and I would twist you in knots with your flawed logic.
NPR and Air America have NO listeners because they NEVER have an opposing view on, it is boring as hell and that is why O'Reilly (not a fan of) works.
Fox News WORKS because it has liberals and moderates as part of their shows panel discussions, turn on your beloved MSDNC and show me where Olbermann and the 13 year old boy have a DIFFERING VIEW ON EVER, you know, to discuss the diffferences of a given subject.
I LOVE when a differing view is on as guess what sheep, that is how you learn something and Fox and CNN understand that.
If you want the fairness doctrine, let's do it all across the board, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS (MY MONEY GOES TO THIS???) and the newspapers as well.
Who really want's fairness?
The shep all bleated, bahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
CNN up to its old biases censoring comments[without a cuss word] again.
Do it. I'm all for it. Whether the program is from the right or from the left, they'll BOTH have to play by the same rules. What's the problem?
I'm sorry, but can someone explain to me how a fairness act would muzzle right wing talk shows? And why they would admit that in public?
Rush Limbaugh spews hate and the Rev Wright was just misunderstood.
You people crack me up!
The reason there so much right wing radio is that it is financed by big business as a means to push through their agenda. Liberal media does not have the financial backing of big business. If no one listened to right wing radio they would still be financed by big business as a marketing tool. In addition to big business, right wing radio uses the haters, racists and bigots as an emotional cover for their real agenda of special interests. Many of their supporters are too ignorant to realize they are being exploited against their own best interests. They can understand over simplified issues like abortion, gay marriage, and fighting "terrorists" which have almost nothing to do with their daily life. They ignore the real part of right wing radio's agenda which is protecting big business and special interest groups from operating with any oversight or regulation. That is why the market crashed, there is poison in our food, lead in our toys, too expensive health care, environmental issues, unemployment rising, corporate fraud like Enron and scandals like Madoff. The list goes on and on but right wings supporters just want to talk about " the liberal media". Guess what, the liberal media represents real people not big business! Wake up people.
Really bad idea!
Bad policy and bad politics!
I suppose it's also worth pointing out that reinstating this wouldn't silence anybody. If anything, it would add content. Talking about the "silencing" of free speech is nonsense.
ABSOLUTELY! This bill is sorely needed to create some type of balance. We, as Americans, are supposed to be all about "fair play".
Our culture has become much more divided do to extreme views being represented without equal time from the opposing point of view.
Is this also going to affect internet sites who report news or events if so then daily kos and the other far left sites need to have conservatives on their staffs as well.
As long as the fairness applies to every pundit on the air (liberal or conservative) but it is a little crazy to have to impose another viewpoint every time someone opens their mouth on the air.
Tell me this is a joke.
Jack Nemers -
You have hit the nail squarely on the head. Why do so many people not understand this?
When I don't like a certain show, I actually turn it off. Too simple for you?.
Transparency????
"The revolution will not be televised!"
I guess Democrats only believe in free speech when it's friendly to them on CNN or MSNBC.
We must remove the republican party; revamp bylaws; start new ideas; mottos, mission statement to work for the people; the republioan party is a the problem
I love the so called "liberals" that are posting their support for this. Folks, if you support government regulation of political speech, you are NOT a liberal, you are a Fascist!
PLEASE bring it back... We have to stop all the propaganda & that is the best start to doing it.
Ps. Radio, who cares? More importantly, this stimulus package is going to sink us. Here comes inflation, like we have never seen it. Throwing money at a problem has never fixed it. It didn't matter who was elected, this problem was heading down the tracks full speed. They keep telling us to spend more?? I have debt up to my ears and you want me to spend??
It's really sad and shamefull!! Liberal radio has the same opportunies to become succesfull as the Conservative radio is. However, Conservative radio hosts are smarter, more intelligent people. The fact that they're still the number one political radio shows around prove that their voices are heard, and will continue to be heard for a long time.
Liberals do not have the intelligence neccessary to run a competitive program against Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, Michael Savage or O'Reilly.
The Fairness Doctrine is not fair.
Doctrinaire yes.
"...Anyone who thinks that the Fairness Doctrine prevents free speech doesn't really understand the Fairness Doctrine..."
That is not true. I understand it perfectly. It was instituted not as a law, but as a practice or policy back in 1949. It's goal back then was to stop the "evil liberals and communists" from tainting America.
Forcing a radio station to play liberal content would be de-facto censorhip since no radio station wants to do it. They don't want to because there is simply no market for it.
Let's also consider the times when this was policy. Back in 1949, Americans didn't have access to the Internet, or even TV for that matter. This policy is a dinosaur that was rightly slain 25 years ago.
Give it up folks... If Republicans were trying to shut down MoveOn.Org, ACORN, or MSNBC, there would be hell to pay. This is plain old politics.
Let your liberal beliefs stand on their own merit.
NO, IM PRETTY SURE FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS THE 1st AND MOST IMPORTANT RIGHT IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS. WE HAVE A FREE MARKET ECONOMY, IF YOU DONT LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR CHANGE THE STATION TO ONE THAT PROVIDES YOU THE BALANCE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. PERIOD. WHERE IN THE CONSTITUTION DOES THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CENSOR POLITICAL SPEECH ON THE RADIO???
Quoting Brain..."I suppose it's also worth pointing out that reinstating this wouldn't silence anybody. If anything, it would add content. Talking about the "silencing" of free speech is nonsense."
Brian, You are so wrong......
It will force radio stations to have half of their programming akin to Air america, which has no audience..... Therfore the $ any station can make will dwindle. Therfore causing them to seek a new programming format (i.e. not talk radio). Liberals know there is no talk radio audience for them. This is not about allowing them to be on thje radio, they can have all the shows they want
The true fairness is to allow Liberals to develop their own talk radio audience.... however their is none. So if you can't establish yourselves in a free maket you must drive out everyone else by goverment mandate.
Here is a nice example for you:
If there are 20 radio stations and 10 of them have Conservative talk radio.... the intelligent answer would be for Liberals to establish their talk radio on the other 10. A fair 50/50 split. However ,realizing that there is and never will be a Liberal talk radio audinece, they will try to control half of the time in the 10 Conservative stations (by goverment power no less, scary think Communist control of the media, Stalin would be proud) therby cutting them in half and driving them out of business.
Let "conservatives" have talk radio. Outfits like Media Matters exist to take their lies and expose them to a broader audience, beyond dittoheads and right-wing extremists.
When Rush makes fun of Parkinson's sufferers or O'reilly shouts down a 9/11 victim's son, does that go over well with the 80% of the population that's non-dittohead?
Look at the Republicans on this board, for example. Does pretending that all liberals are unemployed do them any good? The cons on this board might think it does, but it does not.
The poorly informed comments on this board truly illustrate how badly the Fairness Doctrine is needed. It's pretty obvious how easy it is to incite the credulous. Right wing radio is like mental junk food. Lures people in, then plays them for a chump.
The reason there is more right wing radio than left wing radio is because more right wing people listen to the radio shows. Advertisers would certainly be up in arms if conservative radio programs were limited and this move would not make more democrates listen to the radio. Bad idea!
Liberal Democrats are upset because nobody listens to them on the radio (although they watch them on CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNBC, and MSNBC) so they want to punish those who listen to conservative talk radio and violate free speech.
Are people too dumb to understand if you don't like it, you can change the channel?
It is a business, and quite frankly, no one wants to hear morons like Al Franken speak.
This will be a slippery slope because logically TV would be next and there are MANY more liberal networks than there are conservative and besides, who get to decide what is fair?
As a life-long Democrat I oppose any stifling of free speech. The fairness doctrine is not fair because it dictates a balance of view points. If the Democrats want equal time then get personalities that are good enough to counter those of the right-wing hosts. By forcing some sort of balance you are censoring ideas, thoughts, and comments.
I like the idea, of coarse the repubs won't like it because they would have to play fair & they know then they would lose.
Joyce in Indiana: "I don't believe that anyone who cares about freedom of speech should want the Fairness Doctrine back. There are just too many problems with it from a First Amendment standpoint. It is unconstitutional to silence speech just because you hate it."
You obviously don't understand what the Fairness Doctrine is. The Fairness Doctrine does not silence speech, it promotes it, making sure everyone hears all sides to any issue.
Being aware of only one side of an issue (whether right, left, or in the middle) is part of what got us into this current mess. How can we keep the government honest if we don't know what they're doing?
A fully-informed populace is a well-served populace.
Liberal opinion and views dominate the main stream media, television, newspapers, magazines, Hollywood, etc – why is it necessary to silence conservative talk radio? If you don't like it, don't listen to it and I won't listen the childish rants of Keith Olberman. As much as I despise him, I would never tell him that he does not have a right to say whatever he wants, to whomever he wants, and that goes for all you hate filled libs in submitting comments to the blogs. We live in a free country and we all have a right to express ourseves. If this happens, just wait, there will be a conservative movement to shove your own medicine right back at you. There will be no liberal news viewpoints on TV, in Print, in Hollywood, without equal time given to the consertative side. You will not have your gay pride parades without having the opposite view point marching right beside or behind them. No one will be allowd to voice their opinion in any forum unless they provide equal time for the other side. Just wait and see!!!
Why do you need a doctrine??? Do like most intelligent individuals... if you don't like the content, change the station or channel.
I think there should just be a law against lying to people. whether its politics or advertising- just tell the whole truth...make spin and pr illegal and make people tell the truth. why is that so hard?
Can't wait for the fairness doctrine to get implemented at the newspapers too! Yeah right! Although perhaps it would shut up Olbermann and Madow!
Where is the worthless ACLU now? Nowhere to be found because this civil liberty doesn't fit their agenda!
Libs cry out that their civil liberties are being crushed all the time, yet they can't see a real civil liberty through the trees.
Wow...I read some of these posts and I still marvel at how hateful and evil some conservatives are. Man the bitterness (yep, I said it...BITTERness) must be eating them up inside. I never understood how Liberal was a bad word, but I clearly understand how conservative is. They really hate people, don't they.
Amazing.
Let the right wing rant on! More and more. It is the best thing that can happen for the future of progressive politics to let us see these morons that are in control of the Republican party. The more they talk the better we look.
I am a liberal democrat and I listen to Rush everyday to hear what he is spewing forth. I also listen to Bill Maher. While I agree philosophically with Maher, I don't like how either one of them spew forth their hate. Neither one of them can be rational or see the other point of view. Both the right and the left are wrong to spew forth the hate that comes out of their mouths. This country is so divided and I think its become fashionable to be negative and rude. No one has manners anymore or has courtesy for anyone. I know if I talked like either one of them, my mouth would have been washed out with soap.
"...You right wingers have no right to use the publicly owned airwaves to spew hate and lies..."
Many of us right-wingers feel EXACTLY the same way about MSNBC.
Jack Nemers wrote: February 13th, 2009 1:11 pm ET
The reason there so much right wing radio is that it is financed by big business as a means to push through their agenda. Liberal media does not have the financial backing of big business.
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If big business was financing conservative talk shows, Rush would be on TV, not the radio, since there is greater exposure. Liberal commentary is just not as successful on radio as it is through other media, so these guys want to force their way into your radio box through legislation. SWEET.
Kudos to Joyce in Indiana!
Hate to tell you this, Once and Done Barry, but NPR has always had opposing viewpoints: it just prefers to have people that don't scream and shout. Need I point out that MSNBC regularly has people like Pat Buchanan and others on, while Fox gets their outnumbered tokens out once in a blue moon.
Hate to tell you this, but "Firing Line" first made its appearance on PBS, along with the "McGlaughlin Group" paving the way for FOX. It would be nice if you bothered to marshall your facts better before posting, it will indicate that some of Buckley's intellect rubbed off on you.
Yeah...My actual comment from 4 hours ago is still "awaiting moderation" absolutely no curses or anything like that in it...just a conservative point of view......go figure...thanks CNN.....you are very transparent...unbelievable!!!!
About time – right wing radio fuels so much stupidity on our public discourse. It would do wonders for the publics intellect to hear from people with actual brains and ideas on how to solve things instead of just a fat bloated Oxycontin addict who is also addicted to young Dominican boys. Seriously – when is the last time Fat Rush or any other right winger on radio said one single thing that made sense??? I rest my case.
I love CNN but Lou Dobbs needs to be more open and honest about all he reports, just not his opinion on what he thinks but what the Americans think as a whole. He is like an Old Grumpy Man that hasn't gotten any in years. He annoys me, I'm glad I can switch to MSNBC while he's on and get more info that is unbiased
We don't need a fairness doctrine. If you are foolish enough to have your mind formed or your opinions informed by talk radio; then you deserve to walk aroun in utter ignorance. This applies to both the left & the right.
Hey Alan...Rush Limbaugh has HOURS AND HOURS of hate filled speeches from his radio show. Rev. Wright has 7 mins of looped content played over and over again....that was taken out of a sermon that was 9 minutes long and never played by anyone who didn't have the guts to go to YouTube and watch the full content.
7 mins versus 7000+ hours...I'd say think about it, but I can tell you are Republican and that would be a useless request.
As a liberal, I believe that there is no need for a "doctrine" that dictates what private radio stations must broadcast. We all share the airwaves, if there is so much demand for liberal view points, why aren't there more liberal stations? Because we don't listen to talk radio. We have the internet, we have the cable news networks, and we have many of the newspapers. None of those are being censored in the same way as radio. Don't force the stations to do things they don't want to do, that is not democracy.
I don't think it's about taking away freedom of speech, just allowing other opinions besides the far far right to preach their agendas.
To Jack Nemers: "Liberal media does not have the financial backing of big business."
Although George Sorors should be considered "big business," he has quite the money to advance the liberal media and his agenda. Would the "Fairness Doctrine" apply to Move On.org and his Open Society Institute? HARDLY..... since many liberals are quick to use the Bill of Rights when it suits their purpose and no one elses.
I guess that a few democratic senators and congressman are afraid of talk radio and the purpose it serves and would like to take away someone else's First Amendment's rights. Can these senators and congressman not find enough to do in Washington with the economy and the housing problems?
What is next ......regulating criminal dramas on television so the Fairness Doctrine would apply to the "alleged criminals" so he or she" would have equal time?
Senators and congresman....do something productive with your time and stop wasting our precious tax dollars on something that limits the First Amendment.
It's all about RATINGS!!! If you have a talk show that no one listens to, why should you be allowed to keep your program? The Fairness is in the ratings!!
Why do we need a doctrine to regulate political speech on a onesided talk show?
Why not just tell the public that right-wing radio is far fetch right wing and Rush Limbaugh happens to be the leader of the Republican party?
Who would you rather lead your party? A talk radio host, or an actual politician?
It's no wonder the republicans are so scared, all their people are sitting behind microphones blabbing their mouths off while our people are actually working in govt. Heck Al Franken even left the mic to run for senate and won!. Won't ever see Rush become a senator, because he knows nothing about politics.
Kudos to Joyce, however you don't have to be an actual journalist to have a radio show. Most radio hosts and even cable news icons openly admit that they are not journalist, but simply commentators. If some listener cannot take this into account and understand the source of the information they are receiving, we don't punish every one else for their stupidity and have the government decide what and who we can listen to. This is utter insanity.
How about we just educate the country to not believe the lies coming out of BOTH sides' idiot boxes? Why can't we have a political commentary on a station like, oh I don't know, say CNN, without "expert tertimony" from former Clinton or Bush aides? Why do we always have to hear the opinion of some former party hack? THIS is the problem. ALL media has become overly (and overtly) politicized to the point that there is no more unbiased reporting.
Your comment is awaiting moderation. – No, really. WHY?
Here's a couple stories related to the Fairness Doctrine:
In Madison, Wisconsin, there is a progressive radio station that was #1 in the market. The owner (Clear Channel) decided to change the format to sports, and it created such a public outcry when it was taken off the air that the owners put it back up.
In Cleveland, Ohio, the progressive talk radio station there, again #1 in its market, was replaced with a Catholic station and it's ratings metrics fell below the level where they could be measured.
Stories like these, plus similar situations in the Miami, Florida market and the Washington, DC market, are perfect examples of why we NEED the Fairness Doctrine. There was no reason for these stations to go under other than the personal political beliefs of the owners of Clear Channel and CBS radio.
Thanks to the Telecommunications Competition and Deregulation Act of 1995, CBS radio and Clear Channel own the ENTIRE market. No, seriously. Two companies. All of radio in the US.
Clear Channel made its bones on Rush Limbaugh, and its owners are extremely conservative. They dictated which songs were banned from their stations after 9/11, they censored air play of the Dixie Chicks on their stations in the lead-up to the Iraq War, and refused to post paid billboards decrying the war.
Even with weaker signals, progressive stations are #1 in many markets as measured by Arbitron and ad revenues. The reason why they are being silenced has nothing to do with the free market or free speech, and everything to do with the political leanings of the station owners, even to the detriment of profit.
The free market capitalist has to wonder, why would you take revenue away from the market, why would you not want to make money for your company, your workers, your shareholders, and your continued growth?
The answer is that like all other facets of society, distribution must be regulated. Fox News will tell you difference. SEan Hannity said yesterday that you'd have to pry his microphone "out of his cold dead mouth", as if this translated to him being shut up. The truth is, that these people aren't getting "shut up", they will just have stiffer competition. And stiffer competition has always created a better product. Hannity and Rush should be welcoming the Fairness Doctrine because it will only make their programs that much more cutting edge.
!!!!CNN POST THIS!!!!
This is ludicrous. Never mind the Constitutional mandate for freedom of speech, but it was okay for the major networks to all back the "Annointed one" as well as the major print media, but let Rush Limbaugh host a radio show and we need equal time? Oprah refused to host McCain but had love fests with Obama and family but that's okay. Couric roasted Palin but lobbed softballs everywhere else. Olberman had orgasms over the Dems and got fired from the RNC for being a bigot. This is the Gestapo...we need to hire Baghdad Bob on ABC...and all because Air America flopped because noone wants to listen to it...
Is it the fairness doctrine that is really at issue with the conservatives or is it that the conservatives pundits are really afraid that their loyal following will find out they have been lied to and play for fools?????
It would be nice if we could just turn them off as suggested.... but then how many stations would we be able to get? The Air ways are full of The right Wing hate. You can count on one hand the number of Progressive stations we can turn too..... No one is saying that Rush could not continue to talk... But they are saying that the other side should be able to respond. That is the first amendment.
Eve
Sure lets be fair about things...but lets have NBC and Saturday Night Live make fun of Obama as much as them made fun of Palin & McCain during the election. I am a conservative republican, but I don't believe anything people say now. Both political parties stretch the truth and skew the information in their direction. Media is biased and allowed to be that way per the FCC. You have Coulter and Franken at two extremes, both manipulating facts in order to appeal to their followers. Fact is, the hard right and hard left will never agree on anything, so perhaps everyone should work towards the middle. You have to do your own research in order to find facts.
The reason there are no left wing talk shows is nobody listens to them. As a conservatiive i say let them talk and america will see how bankrupt the socialist ideas are.
The Congressional Democrats who are pushing the "Fairness Doctrine" should be soundly thrashed, tarred and feathered. This is the kind of pushy move that will radicalize American politics and lead to a huge backlash.
Hey "bj" and "Duane"!
There is a difference between Freedom of Speech and the abuse of Freedom of Speech! What do you have to say about "W." and all the Republicans saying that you are "unpatriotic" to to even question him? That is limiting free speech. The illegal wiretapping? That definately is not "free" speech (nor was it anything close to legal).Before you start with this how low can the Democrats sink, make sure your own house is in order. Yelling "fire" in a crowded theater when there is no fire, and people get hurt, is that your idea of the practice of free speech? Free Sspeech comes with responsibility. Read the Consitiution and Bill of Rights and quit channeling Rush Limbaugh!
Absolutely, bring back the Fairness Doctrine. All this bilge about attacking freedom of speech and "turn it off if you don't like it" reveals how much ideology fuels ignorance. There is no rational argument against the doctrine. Those who make profits from licenses to use public frequencies should be required to present a balance of viewpoints. The license is a privilege and needs to carry a responsibility. Nobody will be silenced. The Limbaughs, O'Reillys and Savages pander to the worst intellectual void. If they cannot share frequencies with a rational counterpoint, then let them retreat to the non-public cable or satellite radio channels, where like Stern, they can spew all the anti-intellectual filth they and their crack-brained sycophants desire.
You should be outraged if regulation of public property was so weak that Walmart or Piggly Wiggly could decide to move into a public park and build their stores. You should be outraged if your state government gives publicly acquired right of way to a private company so they can build roads and charge tolls forever. And you should be outraged if the government does not regulate the use of public airways in the best interest of society.
Jack Nemers February 13th, 2009 1:11 pm ET
The reason there so much right wing radio is that it is financed by big business as a means to push through their agenda. Liberal media does not have the financial backing of big business. If no one listened to right wing radio they would still be financed by big business as a marketing tool. In addition to big business, right wing radio uses the haters, racists and bigots as an emotional cover for their real agenda of special interests. Many of their supporters are too ignorant to realize they are being exploited against their own best interests. They can understand over simplified issues like abortion, gay marriage, and fighting "terrorists" which have almost nothing to do with their daily life. They ignore the real part of right wing radio's agenda which is protecting big business and special interest groups from operating with any oversight or regulation. That is why the market crashed, there is poison in our food, lead in our toys, too expensive health care, environmental issues, unemployment rising, corporate fraud like Enron and scandals like Madoff. The list goes on and on but right wings supporters just want to talk about " the liberal media". Guess what, the liberal media represents real people not big business! Wake up people.
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Jack you naided it !!!!!
"The Fairness Doctrine" will require an opposing view ... hmmm.
If you can't arrange an opposing view, then it can't be aired!
Sounds like a way to silence Left & Right wing doctrines by nobody agreeing to be the opposition.
Hmmmm ... could NetFlix, Movie Gallery, etc... be behind this policy?
No Real TV anymore ... DVDs or Nothing!
Is CNN censoring my posts? I wrote two so far an hour ago and neither has shown up.
I would only like to add one more thought to this debate. If the right-wingers truly believe that the media is dominated by liberals, why wouldn't they be all for the Fairness Doctrine? Seems to me a great opportunity for them to see the scales balanced. Of course, the truth is that the media is not dominated by liberals at all – far from it. Every single reputable study on the matter points to the fact that what we have is a corporate media dominated by shills. In fact the whole left-right issue is merely a smokescreen actually to divert our attention and create confusion.
Wake up people, the Fairness Doctrine is sorely needed to protect all of our interests.
People who oppose the Fairness Doctrine do not understand what it is all about. It's not about suppressing freedom of expression. It's about expressing differing/contrasting points of view on controversial matters. It doesn't even require equal time. It is really sad to hear radical right-wing talking heads like Hannity, Savage, Levine, Boortz, Beck, Limbaugh, Coulter, O'Reilly, Ingram et. al. expressing their hatred about the left in general and democrats in particular without any independent verification of what they are talking about. These megalomaniacs claim that they own the truth, knows the best, and can educate everyone on complex issues. If they were so right, Obama or any democrats would never win elections. The truth is that they are financed by special interests and businesses. Fear, hatred, jingoism etc. sells better than rationalism, reason, and science. Individuals are too weak to counter big businesses and special interests. That's why the government has to step in.
People who own and run radio stations are, by and large, conservative Republicans. They don't want a balance of opinions. They only want to broadcast the opinions that they agree with.
The airwaves that these station owners use belong to all of us: the broadcasters lease them. They don't "own" them.
Why should 90% of all opinion on talk radio be extreme right-wing when only 20% of Americans share these opinions?
We need fairness and balance on the airwaves that belong to all of us.
The right-wingers will claim that this is "censorship", which is their attempt to distort this issue and confuse the public. They just want to monopolize the airwaves and shut out other viewpoints.
It's not right. As long as there are only so many radio stations, there needs to be a balance of opinion.
No one is saying "Stop the conservatives from talking on the radio!" That's silly. What we're saying is, "For every hour of liberal talk radio, there should be an hour of conservative talk radio." To leave it to the discretion of the station owners doesn't work. They'll use it to push their own opinions, which are overwhelmingly conservative.
It's time for a change from this Reagan-era thinking.
Any program that can't cut it in the free market shouldn't be on. Isn't that what PBS is for?
I believe that this is getting more attention than it should. As an elected official, you have more opportunities to present your opinion to the media than any other average citizen. This article is my point exactly. You have just presented your side of the Fairness Doctrine issue on CNN. Now, conservative media can disagree with you.
People are going to listen to who and what they want. Besides how do you regulate an issue, which is nothing more than a slew of opinions? This sounds like a grown up version of the kid who always cries, "That's not fair." Like we all tell our children, "Sometimes life is not fair." This is one of those times. Fair is a very subjective word depending on who is giving and who is getting.
Life may not be fair but there should be justice. If someone violates another persons constitutionally protected freedom of speech, where is the justice in that?
Are CNN, NBS, CBS, ABC and PBS also going to have to air opposing views?
TjayeInLA The "fainess doctrine" would force shows to change their format. Rush, like him or not, would be forced to have a so called "opposite view" with "equal time" to counter anything he says. As a result, less people will listen (I know it would be hard for me to continue listening) and advertising $$$ would decrease. Radio stations would find it less attractive to carry his shows. Some may drop him. Stations may also lose money as a result and people will lose jobs. Rush could go to satilite, but there are a lot less listeners there. Liberals achieve their goal of reducing the influence of opposing views. Rush is entertaining and informative to many people. Radio stations, like tv and newspapers, are in the business of making money. How they produce their shows should not be compromised by government. You wouldn't want the govt to force ABC to have "guest stars" on successful shows like Lost.
Im945: "You obviously don't understand what the Fairness Doctrine is. The Fairness Doctrine does not silence speech, it promotes it, making sure everyone hears all sides to any issue."
You obviously don't understand the concept of a laissez-faire market. Talk radio is more or less dominated by the Right because conservative hosts consistently demolish the left in ratings. Talk radio employs these personalities because they generate the most ad revenue. If you take away some of the right-leaning hosts and replace them with people from the left to create this so-called "balance", the radio stations will suffer. Public radio is already being jeopardized by Sirius/XM and other news mediums, and the Fairness Doctrine would really send them into disaster.
Im945, if I may ask, what do you do for a living? I'd be happy to provide an example of how the government could take your profession, regulate it, and force you to go out of business. You wouldn't like now, would you?
If talk radio annoys you so much, turn on CBS/NBC/ABC – the mainstream media is biased. Or you can just get your MSNBC fix, I hear they're really doing well in the ratings lately.
And to my last point... "free spech", last time I checked, didn't contain the word fair in it. It may not be "fair" that the Right dominates talk radio. Nor is it "fair" that the left dominates newspapers and television networks nation-wide. Nor is it fair that I have to watch Bruce Springsteen (though a talent artist) who lacks a high school diploma acting as though he's a political authority. But it's free speech, and it's the way it is. Talk radio is free speech meets laissez-faire. If you can't take it, pack your bags for Europe.
Can you say censorship? Sounds like the libs have some sour grapes. If people didn't want to listen to conservative talk show hosts on the radio, they would go bankrupt like most of the liberal talk shows have. I guess this is an effort by the left to silence their critics and force people to listen to subpar radio hosts spewing liberal lies and hate.
I say bring it back. I want to get my opposing view on the air so that everyone hears my opinion about how totally incompetent the democrats, media (pardon the redundancy) and republicans are.
"Why do you need a doctrine??? Do like most intelligent individuals… if you don't like the content, change the station or channel."
Where I live it's right wing bs on every station 24/7. There are no other choices.
Would the Political Ticker Comments Section be subjected to this Fairness Doctrine as well? Because you have to have make sure that each View is properly shown in an equal # of comments. Right?
This will make my 4th Comment that will not be posted on this subject. That's OK though... I don't mind CNN being UNFAIR.
Leave it to the Dems to want to revive something that was ruled un-Constitutional. Of course the Constitution is merely a scrap of paper to most Democrats anyway...
Is New York city a sister city to Moscow? If you don't like what Rush or Sean as to say, simply changed the station or are you liberals too dumb to do that to? I often don't like what MSNBC's Keith Oberfuhrer has to say or Chris (has a funny feeling running down his legs) Matthews for that matter, but I listen to them and not screaming for some nutcase congressman to ban free speech like this idiot Hinchey is trying to do.
bj, Texas, Again you are talking out of your %*%*. The Fairness Doctrine" doesn't prohibit freedom of speech, it makes sure that both sides are heard equality. Right now it is 9-1, with the Conservative talkers controlling. There are alot of states who do not have any Progressive stations. Read up on this before you make your stupid statements.
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. Thank you ,would you please post it ?
It's been less than a month since Obama took office —The Democrats already want censorship of any opposing ideology—This isn't Socialism,this is Communism.
if i want the liberal point of view, i'll turn on cnn, nbc, msnbc, or i'll pick up a copy of the NY Times.
Liberals dominate the tv airwaves, no doubt.
Conservatives dominate the radio waves.
If you want to get the liberal/progressive perspective on the radio, start your own liberal radio station... OH, THATS RIGHT... WE HAD THAT- ITS CALLED AIR AMERICA, AND IT SUCKED.
I think this is a big mistake. This is straight censorship. Let the conservative talk radio people hoot and holler all they want... their audiences are slowly declining. And, the better the economy gets and the more people become comfortable with Obama... the lower their ratings are going to go.
If there's one thing I don't agree with.. it's censorship. Let people voice their opinions.
If we had the Fairness Doctrine back in 2008, Obama would have never won the election. If the mainstream media were forced to give McCain the equal and favorable coverage they gave Obama, while also not hiding Wright & Ayers, Obama would have lost. Bring it back in 3 years so we can have a "fair" election this time!
Hey DAN, You're right. There ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK AND CALIFORNIA, AND WE ELECTED OBAMA!!!!!
So go on listening to Rush Limboob and all of the other sub-moronics.
It becomes clearer and clearer that their nonsensical prattle doesn't mean anything important.
Fair, that is a laugh. The media is always biased one way or the other, so why not let the people listen to the "slant" they prefer. If you read the CNN comments, it is very apparent who is who in terms of party affiliation.
it's a flat out attempt at censoring political speach. totally unconstitutional.
chavez does it. north korea and china do it.
maybe if they can't silence rush, they can give him radiation sickness or throw him out a window. that worked pretty well at silencing putin's detractors.
a lot of you dem's are getting it here, but many of you are sounding like goose-stepping fascists now.
be suspicious when a one party government is openly trying to control all education, all government and all media.
The problem is people like Rush and Hannity can say whatever they want and there is nobody there to balance it out.I listen to both and they are not truthful with the facts and there are people out there who will believe everything that comes out of there mouths.
"We need real solutions that educate and inform people"
YES.
(Of course it helps that reality has a liberal bias...)
For all of you out there saying shut them up, I appreciate how you like trashing the 1st amendment. Why is this only targeted at radio? How would you like to have a hardline right wing show on MSNBC right after Olberman.
WOW, I really can't imagine anyone admitting that they're a liberal ! But censoring and controlling free speech, now that's down right Stalin type communism !
This is so stupid. Who's to say what "the other view" is? Normally there are many "other views" not just one. Are we going to have "the other view" for all the lib. TV anchor's? Are we going to have a new White House Dept. overseeing all our "view" now? Who will be the thought police, how much more tax – payer money will this take. Why just to radio? Why not make every magizine, newspaper, TV show, speech, etc. have a Liberal and a conservative column? Sometimes I don't care to hear the liberal lies – now they want to FORCE me to listen to their garbage! Sorry folks. This is the new communisim of the U.S.S.A (United States of Socalist American).
Excuse me "call me crazy" but can I ask a little question?
To qoute you:
"If no one listened to right wing radio they would still be financed by big business as a marketing tool"
In no one listened...who would they market to? That makes absolulety no sense. Are you trying to say compnaies would continue to spend money marketing to "no one"?
I agree – TALK RADIO IS OUT OF CONTROL....
I hear all these far left wing liberals criticizing the far right wing. I grew up a long time ago. Life is not fair. A lot of what is on right wing radio is b/s but the same can be said about the liberal media outlets. During this past election even the media stated that they have been overly pro-obama
Isn't it interesting that so many of the supposed free thinkers on the left speak of the right as if they can be "spoon fed" lies and deciet. It is just the opposite... thinkers on the right demand facts, and thinkers on the left merely require feelings. Hollywood snobs and the like provide those feelings (polar bears, redwoods, terrorist rights, etc) and the sheeple just fall into line behind them.
TCM, I am educated, and I would guess much more educated then you. Your comments about Obama are ridiculous. You are so off base it scares me. People like you, with narrow little minds living in your own world are truly frightening! You blast your criticisms with nothing to back them up!!! UGH! I can't stand Republicans like you. You have no idea how stupid you sound! I know this wont get on CNN today but it feels better writing it. I thank God every day that the GOP is not in charge of this country anymore. They do not represent the America that I believe in and that the constitution was written for. If they had their way EVERYTHING would be private market – there would be no government-they hate government it is obvious...... To me that is the same as hating America. It truly makes me sick that there are people so greedy and so selfish in this world. They care nothing for others, only themselves. No wonder our country is falling apart and they take NO ownership for it. None!!
How could MORE information possibly be construed as censorship? You conservative fascists are ridiculous.
As a liberal, I am opposed to the "Fairness Doctrine". If I do not like what I hear and see in the medis, I just change the channel. I am open minded enough to change my positions based upon what I explore from a diverse media presentation. We do not need censorship. I still think that Rush Limpball is a big, fat idiot. However, on this issue I agree with his general position.
Our campaign laws already require that all candidates be given equal air time, but we all know that doesn't work either. During the past election Obama received 3 times as much coverage as McCain. The majority of the media coverage on McCain was negative while Obama was rarely shown in a negative light. Now tell me about liberal fairness. It is an oxymoron.
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Typical. Left wing radio can't compete in the marketplace of ideas, so the Democratic solution is to regulate away the right.
"They're a bunch of nuts who deserve to be led deeper into the wilderness by the Limbaugh's of the world."
Well, jeffe, maybe the wilderness is not such a bad place to be these days. Too may wackos in the world. Self sufficiency has its benefits.
Hey Steve:
Get over it. I don't listen to talk radio and I don't watch Fox News, but I still had Wright and Ayers news up to the eyeballs til I was sick of hearing about them. Let's be real. No one "hid" Ayers or Wright, and McCain got just as much coverage as Obama.
Free speech is a great thing. But i listen the Conservative Radio Talks most of them are nothing but hate against hispanics, blacks and so on. Its amazing to me that in the name of free speech, we allow even white supermacist doctrine and policies to airwave. People can exercise their freedom to express the free speech and so Conservative Talk radio hosts. But They have to use it to express their ideas on economic and other policies of this nation, instead directly degrading peple from different groups and race
The Fairness Doctrine should have NEVER been tampered with and ended by hate-mongers. If we can begin to bring civility back into our discorse, all Americans would prosper. It's always too sad that progressives don't rant and rave more, if that's what the public wants. I am sooo proud of Obama for taking the high road at all times.
Does this mean your comments on the issues will be evenly balanced to present both sides of every issue? Good luck with that.
One of the many problems of the "Fairness Doctrine" was that broadcasters could never be sure if they'd be sued or fined for being insufficiently "fair." So, to avoid the problem, they simply avoided presently controversial viewpoints, either left or right. Do you want that?
Liberal and Obama supporter here that is no fan of this idea as I believe it stifles free speech. I say let the morons listen to their moronic radio shows. Rush Limbaugh has the right to be wrong and ignorant.
...sounds cool....what you gonna do about Bill Mayer.....call that show fair & balanced?......keep your hands off talk radio
It seems that freedom of speech only applies to what people want to hear. Anything that challenges their way of thought must be stopped. Liberals are just as sad and Republicans.
They wouldnt let the KKK on radio to spout hate 24 hours a day..Bring back the truth doctrine where if we heard it in the media they had to have proof, they could not lie and twist and propaganize..We have a pay for play media that is 36th in the world in truth, we deserve better representation..
How about instead of letting the government shred our constitution by implementing censorship disguised as 'fairness', every individual imposed a fairness doctrine on his or her self. Take it upon yourself to get both sides of an issue. You may not agree with the opposite opinion, but at least you'll understand their perspective and not sound uneducated when you discuss it with somebody.
From Steve:
"Leave it to the Dems to want to revive something that was ruled un-Constitutional. Of course the Constitution is merely a scrap of paper to most Democrats anyway…"
Steve, what country have you been living in for the last 8 years of Repugnant Republicans trashing our Constitutional rights by fear mongering, questioning our Patriotism and insulting our intelligence? Wake up from your Right Wing Radio Induced state of Fascism and smell the coffee.
I guess for some of you, there is no intelligence to insult. Thank you for reminding me how we let our Country get to the state it is currently in...........Right Wing Radio............
Forget the Fairness Doctrine. It won't work with those Right Whiners anyway. They'll find some other avenue with which to spew their hateful, untruthful rhetoric. God Bless America and God Bless President Obama............
Don't these a-wipes have more important things to do? How about coming up with a fairness in paying their taxes law?
Here's what the Fairness Doctrine does ... it forces a radio station to air both sides. So no instead of 100% right wing we are "supposed" to get a nice even 50-50 mix.
Problem is ... no one listens to the left wing stuff on AM radio*. Therefore Stations cannot sell ad time. That means 50% of their airtime is unfunded. AM radio operates on thin enough margins already ... take out 50% of the product and they go under. Which is exactly why the left wants the FD
*Why does no one on the left listen?
– poor personalities (is there a Rush of the Left?)
– lousy message ?
– coastal sophisticates just don't listen to AM radio?
Now come the arguments about how this doesn't shut down the right, it only allows equal time to the left. Baloney. Look at Air America's ratings. How about Randi Rhodes or Stephanie Miller? When stations are forced to give equal time, ratings will tank and smaller stations will go under. Since they own the TV news broadcasts, this can only help the left. When the fairness doctrine was repealed, the number of talk radio stations went up.
Here's a plan: impose the Fairness Doctrine, but include NPR, television news, newspaper editorial pages, and every course at any college that receives federal funds of any kind. That's "fair", isn't it?
It's not fair that Rush is only on 600 stations. He should be on every station and broadcast twice a day to bring the message to the people that they are complete boobs.
hmmm.......how will the Dems reconcile this with the First Amendment?
people here claiming that rush and hannity are spreading lies and mis-information are spreading lies and mis-information. i guarantee, if either one of those guys, or any of the smaller ones, were to lie on the air, it would be on a sound-byte loop on every news station and reported in every paper for weeks.
for the past two weeks they've been discussing the details of the non-stimulas package (as much as they can gather, that is..) and they've been promoting valentine's day gifts.
listen. you'll see.
These three QUACKS...Hinchey, Harkin and Stabmenow are all about controlling how much and the content of information that the citizens are allowed to have.You are just a short way from be their flock and under their absolute control, but that's good because that is what you voted for when you put the "Great Himself"(obama) in office.
This would literally destroy Freedom of Speech and turn the news into propaganda. There is something very Communist-like about this possibility.
Silence the opposition.... way to go comrade.
The Democrats have no clue. Conservative talk radio has the opposing view point on their show every day. That's what makes it so fun to listen to. They put liberal callers on and debate issues during their show. They have guest on from the left and they debate. So the opposing view always is heard.
Compare that to Air America. There is never a conservative view and never a conservative guest. There is only one view and that's the liberal view (I've tried to listen, but all the shows are bad).
If anything, the Fairness Doctrine would force Air America to offer something other than their own distorted view of reality.
couldn't obama and fellow democrates buy a radio network for left wingers?
sirius-xm seems in need of some cash.
It is apparent that the rabid right and some on the left have no idea what the Fairness Doctrine is about, let alone understand the provisions.
If you took the time to read it and not just spout the repub daily talking points, you would know that NO part of the doctrine PREVENTS ANYONE from saying WHATEVER they wish, just the reverse. To those blatherin' on about it not being unconstitutional, it has been ruled Constitutional twice by the Supreme Court. Bush is the one that stopped the remaining two provisions in 2000.
One of which would have helped your half-wit VP pick push back against that 'MSM liberal bias conspiracy' by giving her a chance to rebut any untrue statements(but in her case 90% were true) . Guess it is just easier to whine.
You might want to Google and try reading a bit before you show your ignorance on a public international blog.
ps.
if you can't beat 'em, muzzle 'em
The COMMUNISTS party in this country has got to be stopped. 2 more years then we take our country back from them.
The "fairness" doctrine would allow liberals to voice their opinions at someone else's expense; that is precisely why they think it is fair.
Hey James. Flashback to the 90s. Clinton didnt care about it either. Would this "fairness doctorine" take in comedy central also?
Representative Maurice Hinchey, a Communist from New York is the latest to say he wants to bring back the "Fairness Doctrine,"
Newly dubbed the 1st Amendment "Censorship Doctrine".
They must really be scared about their message actually getting out to the public. Cuz thats all that these folks do.
I am an avid Republican-hater. I fully 100% support Obama.
But, I am an AMERICAN first, and what these Democratic insane morons are proposing is a complete and absolute atrocity.
Thomas Jefferson said if the choice was between a free press and a free country, he'd choose the free press: “The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them.”
Thomas Jefferson
1787
ANY member of Congress who supports suppressing free speech on the radio is a threat to our nation and MUST be removed from office.
About time, however, I don't think it will happen. These talk shows are full of lies and gear the info toward the uninformed and bigots who are too lazy to research the REAL truth. Very biased toward the right and the rich.
Suppose that, in the mid 1700's, the British government had forced the American colonies to publish a pro-King-George pamphlet every time Thomas Paine had published one of his pamphlets.
That would have done what the "Fairness Doctrine" attempts in modern times.
It means censorship and speech control – pure and simple.
actually ron, Rush lies everyday. Like earlier in the week when he lied and said the stimulus bill secretly created a position that will allow the government to determine how doctors treat you while you are actually there. The position in question already exists and does nothing of the sort. So um no, if these guys lied it wouldn't be reported on by everyone, just MSNBC. And even if they were outed, they would just lie again and say it's a conspiracy put out by the left.
Big money pays for the scumbags. The 80% of "Real Americans" should simply boycott any product which is advertised on Spawn Insannity's, Bawl O'Soily's, Gwen Bleek's, Tawdry Shnutt's and Rutt Liebum's show.
They hope the president AND America fail's...just so they can be RIGHT.
Hey, Scumbagous Rushiae even stated so himself so as to remove any doubt.
Just say NO! to products advertised by the scumbags.
The scum has spent the last eight years bringing down America. They were successful. Terrorists could not have done better.
The Fairness Doctrine won't shut up conservative talkshow hosts but it will give equal time to individuals who want to rebut all the lies they spew. That's what's important and it works both ways. If some liberal left-wing fringe idiot spouts untruths, then he can be challenged by some right-wing fringe idiot! So what's the problem. Let's bring it back. "Fairness" is the key word here. Each side gets their say and let the listeners decide who they want to believe. (Like anyone will change their mind anyway!!!) There are still many many psychos out there in radio land who want to believe all the lies that the hateful conservative talking heads keep vomiting up about Obama – fake birth certificate, not a real U.S. citizen, lawyer for Acorn, which committed fraud in the election, blah, blah, blah. As if we care at this point. Obama is our President for the next 4 years and I could not be happier about that. He won by 11,000,000 votes – not just half the vote as you neo-cons keep spouting. Bush only won in 2004 by 7,000,000 votes over Kerry! And in 2000, as we all know, Gore won the popular vote. So don't make it seem like McCain/Palin were even close!!! We won by an overwhelming majority. So live with it losers.
Ok – the liberals only want the fairness doctrine applied to the conservative outlets to financially tarve them and shut them down. Lets see them apply it the otherway to CNBC (Yeah Keith Oberman is fair and balanced) or any the major news papers (NY Times is about as liberal biased as physically possible)
The liberal view of fair – well – lets take the "view" – what 4 raving liberals to one conservative?
Lies are relative, if you think the Government doesn't tell lies you should have your head examined...
It's a bit sad to see the tertiary moral syphilis (TMS) on display as the junior wannabe members of Obama's Kakistocracy line up to cheer for imposition of the "Fairness Doctrine." If you TMS Running Sores are so upset, buy a newspaper or watch TV if you can tear yourselves away from Internet P0rn. Don't you all get e-mails or tweets from O hourly to keep you up to speed anyway?
Wasn't it a lie when druggie
Limbugh said he wasn't a hillbilly herion addict? He claims to be an entertainer whenever someone points out his lies or hypocracy. None of the neocons could survive open and honest de bate, which is why fairness scares the he'll out of them
Instead of getting into a discussion of liberal vs. conservative, who's right, what's propaganda, etc. let's focus on the real question.
Should the government tell a private company that everytime you say X then you also have to say Y. NO! This is what free speech is supposed to be about but instead we want to shut up anyone we don't agree with so we try and get government involved. So much for the foundations of this country.
Equal time, fair and balanced? I suppose MSNBC will have to be taken off the air!!
What's wrong with some truth! The conservative radio talks facts. We need to remember what created the United States and what the Constitution stands for,,,,US. Protect the people's right's for freedom of speach. I don't want to listen to propaganda!! I want to keep my rights alive for my children and their children. I refuse to be indoctrinated by the left-wing socialist's and their misinterpretaion to freedom.
I listened to air america when every comment dealt with George Bush and refferences to stupid and words of impeacment. It looks like George looks to be a lot smarter than Obama with the worst start to an administration in history. How will you Democrats spin the failure of this cash cow you have signed to slaughter. How will your fairness doctrine help to spin your conceded lies and failures while bankrupting the Country to further the cause of dependence upon government and embed your politics and ideals which are flawed and proven to be a failure such as Castro and picture the health care you are shoving down our throat the same as Castro's. Since when did you pieces of democrat fetal matter care what was fair. LOSERS