Genachowski Opposes Fairness Doctrine
Obama's nominee for FCC Chairman says he would not seek to reimpose defunct yet controversial broadcasting policy
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/16/2009 4:13:17 PM
Fariness Doctrine: Complete Coverage From Broadcasting & Cable
Julius Genachowski, President Obama's nominee for chairman of the FCC, said Tuesday that he did not support reimposing the fairness doctrine.
He was asked at his nomination hearing by ranking Senate Commerce Committee Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) to publicly state the opinion he had expressed to her in a meeting--that he did not support the doctrine, even if it were arrived at by ancillary routes like localism mandates.
Genachowski said he strongly believes in the First Amendment and doesn't think the FCC should be involved in censorship based on political speech and opinion.
The doctrine once required broadcasters to actively seek out opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, but was scrapped by the FCC in 1987 as unconstitutional.
Genachowski got high praise from Republicans and Democrats alike during the hour-and-a-half hearing for a confirmation that appeared all but assured.
Republican FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, who also got his renomination vetting in the committee Tuesday, said he did not have any concerns that the commission would reimpose it, saying he would take Genachowski at his word.
McDowell has spoken out strongly against the doctrine, as well as other proposed policies he thought could impact broadcaster speech or business. He reiterated his concern that the government not add any unnecessary regulatory complications to a business struggling to find its footing in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
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If all those stations were liberal, the GOP would be SCREAMING for the Fairness Doctrine. The fact that they don't want it should tell you the media is no longer liberal. It has been purchased by a very small number of big corporations that now control the message. So even MSNBC can only be as liberal as the bosses allow it to be. And more important than what the corporate media is telling us is what they are not telling us. They can pretend to be liberal when it comes to abortion or gay marriage, but the real issue that the rich are fleecing the middle class goes untold.
nick papadakos - 1/14/2011 9:26:42 AM EST -
I just love how the left whines pitifully about the need for both sides of an issue to be aired. Great, then how about NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, NPR, etc., ad nauseum having some conservatives on to present their side?
Leftists complaining about conservative talk radio don't want fair and balanced commentary, they want to eliminate any competition for the minds and hearts of the "unwashed masses."
Liars and hypocrits!
Rich Wargo - 6/18/2009 4:38:30 PM EDT -
If left-leaning commentators want to have their own show and speak their opinions, LET THEM.
Every conservative talk show welcomes callers with other opinions. In fact, the are put at the front of the phone queue.
Besides, the left already has the mainstream media marching to their every whim.
Becky Williams - 6/17/2009 6:29:22 PM EDT -
the fairness doctrine is hardly unneccesary. posting both view points is one of the responsibilities and duties of media personalities. in all this free speech rhetoric, people forget that rush limbauh, o'reily, and other such figures are not the same as you and I. while every one is entilted to their two cents, those who are given a platform such as theirs is given a power over individuals without such authority- individuals who may have alternative, better informed positions that deserve attention. what's the problem anyway? there is always some big coomotion about how a host wants to challenge President Obama, why is it an issue when it's required? could it be that such personalities want to control when and where they are challenged or extend a challenge? it seems more obvious day after day.
mattew jones - 6/17/2009 2:06:49 AM EDT -
This is troubling If you don't at least mention Both sides of Each Story how can the People Make Informed Decisions?!!
A. "Karriem" A. Khan - 6/16/2009 4:30:20 PM EDT
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