The Fairness Doctrine was declared unconstitutional because the big business and Reagan administration wanted that way. It had nothing to do with law. By repealing the law the gap between the haves and the have-nots continues to widen. The fairness doctrine was the right thing in 1949, it was the right thing in 1987 and it's the right thing today.

The Supreme Court knew what's important 40 years ago... "It is the right of the viewers and listeners, not the right of the broadcasters, which is paramount." - U.S. Supreme Court, upholding the constitutionality of the Fairness Doctrine in Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC, 1969.

Since when did what is or isn't "constitutional" concern Republicans? Bush and Cheney have spent much of their time since 2000 trying to undermine the Constitution. What Republicans want is propaganda, not debate or "fairness." They complain about "unfairness" of media coverage, but in fact especially with radio media elimiation of the Fairness Doctrine was supposed to allow self policing. As for the constitutionality of it, if courts consider the fact that the FCC issues licences and not some skewed argument by Republicans to get their way, then it will absolutely be Constitutional. If political campaigns are subject to regulation then so too should political speech that is totally one-sided, uses the public airwaves, and has had the effect of reducing media ownership from over 300 in 1987 to around 65 today. That's not service to the American people, and as for the "fairness" that Republcians seek, it was never about fairness for them, it was about finding ways to eliminate competition in the marketplace of idea. They confuse actual journalism in the New York Times with their tendency to be devoid of ideas that work for anything except the moneyed interests that sign the checks.

With the many failures of conservatism and Republican electoral prospects dark as an oil slick in the Persian Gulf, right wing talk radio has been working overtime to whip up its base. The fear mongering focuses on calls by Democrats and concerned citizens for reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine. Apparently even a minimum of balance in political speech to ensure the accuracy of claims is a frightening concept for Republicans and their minions in talk radio.
In attacking the Fairness Doctrine, Republican talk radio propagandists are demonstrating why it is so necessary for this doctrine to be reinstated: no opposition allowed. Propagandist Laura Ingraham repeatedly claimed that the Fairness Doctrine is an attack on free speech. Quite the opposite, it would ensure more than one side access to the currently skewed and closed talk radio Republican monopoly.
All sides need to realize these are the public airwaves. That’s what this is really about.
There is also a right wing owner monopoly of talk radio, with big Republican boosters owning hundreds of stations. Republicans say “liberal” talk radio cannot compete in the free market, yet the current “hands off big business” Republican brand of talk radio has clearly worked to limit access. Their agenda is clear.
Free speech is about ensuring fair access for different viewpoints. Republicans want to block free speech that challenges their dogma. Ronald Regan and Republicans sparked the right wing takeover of talk radio by eliminating the Fairness Doctrine.
Bring back the Fairness Doctrine to resurrect truth.

Good for Kucinich! He's about the only one in government right now consistently doing the correct thing...all the time. He has my vote in 2008 if he's on the ballot.

IF THE FAIRNESS DOCTRINE WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL IN 1987 IT IS UNCONSTITUTTIONAL TODAY.