Another Congressional Call for 'Fairness Doctrine'

There's a new call on Capitol Hill to bring back the Fairness Doctrine - this time from Sen. Harkin of Iowa.  He's the latest lawmaker to urge that this troubling regulatory measure be brought back.

Politico.com is reporting that Sen. Tom Harkin appeared on Bill Press's radio show and came out in favor of the Fairness Doctrine.

Here's a transcript of that conversation:

BILL PRESS:  And, thanks for your leadership, thanks for your good work, it's great to have you there Senator. And,  great to have you on the show. Appreciate it.
 
SENATOR TOM HARKIN (D-IA): Well, anytime just let me know Bill. I love being with you, and thanks again for all you do to get the truth and the facts out there. By the way, I read your Op-Ed in the Washington Post the other day. I ripped it out, I took it into my office and said 'there you go, we gotta get the Fairness Doctrine back in law again.'
 
BILL PRESS:  Alright, well good for you. You know, we gotta work on that, because they are just shutting down progressive talk from one city after another. All we want is, you know, some balance on the airwaves, that's all. You know, we're not going to take any of the conservative voices off the airwaves, but just make sure that there are a few progressives and liberals out there, right?
 
SENATOR TOM HARKIN (D-IA): Exactly, and that's why we need the fair -- that's why we need the Fairness Doctrine back.
 
BILL PRESS: We'll work on that together. Hey, thanks, Senator! Always good to talk to you.
 
SENATOR TOM HARKIN (D-IA): Thanks Bill, see you, bye.

This report comes just days after Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan told the same radio show that it was time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine.  Her words:  "I think it's absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it's called the Fairness Standard, whether it's called something else."

In the interview, Sen. Stabenow tied her call to President Obama's pledge of more accountability and transparency, saying "I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place."

Asked whether she could be counted on to push for hearings on this issue, here was her response:  "I have already had discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that's gonna happen, yep."

That is exactly why the Broadcaster Freedom Act is so important.  It's legislation now pending in the House and Senate - legislation that would prohibit the return of the Fairness Doctrine.

More than 70,000 Americans already have signed on to the ACLJ petition urging members of Congress to support H.R. 226 and S. 34.  If you have not yet added your name in support of the Broadcaster Freedom Act, you can do so right now by clicking here.