Focusing on the Fairness Doctrine

 

Theres a renewed push on Capitol Hill to pass legislation that would keep the troubling Fairness Doctrine from being reinstated.  As you recall, the FCC thankfully discarded the Fairness Doctrine in 1985 a regulatory measure that required all broadcasters to present opposing views on controversial political issues.

 

Now, theres new interest in bringing back the Fairness Doctrine a measure that ultimately would give federal officials the authority to tell broadcasters including Christian broadcasters what to air.   The fact is a return to the Fairness Doctrine is a dangerous effort that could cripple Christian broadcasting.

 

Consider these statements from members of Congress:

 

Its time to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine, said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). I have this old-fashioned attitude that when Americans hear both sides of the story, theyre in a better position to make a decision.

 

Senate Rules Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said she planned to look at the legal and constitutional aspects of reviving the Fairness Doctrine.  I believe very strongly that the airwaves are public and people use these airwaves for profit, she said. But there is a responsibility to see that both sides and not just one side of the big public questions of debate of the day are aired and are aired with some modicum of fairness.

 

Fortunately, we have many allies on this issue in Congress.  Representative Mike Pence of Indiana and Representative Greg Walden of Oregon have taken an especially strong stand against the reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine.  They have introduced the Broadcaster Freedom Act, which would permanently prohibit the FCC or any future President from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine.  Our Government Affairs team has mobilized to assist with this important legislation.  In fact, there will be a news conference in Washington tomorrow to update the progress of this critical measure.

 

Drew Ryun, our Director of Government Affairs, tells me that currently there are 194 signatures on the Discharge Petition to bring the Broadcaster Freedom Act to the House floor.

 

If Congressmen Pence and Walden get 218 signatures, they can bring it to the House floor, bypassing committee, for an up or down vote.  Two Democratic leaders Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi of California and Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland are blocking this move right now, even though 100 Democrat members voted for Pence's amendment that banned the Fairness Doctrine for one year.  That amendment was approved last year by an overwhelming vote of 309-115.

 

Time is of the essence in getting movement on this measure.  If the number of signatures from House members falls short of the 218 number needed to bring it to the House floor by the July 4th recess, theres a risk of running out of time before the August recess.  And after Congress returns from the August recess, theres likely to be very little action if any on such legislation.

 

Its time for action now.  Sign on to our petition urging the House to act and vote on the Broadcaster Freedom Act.  You can add your name to our petition by clicking here.

 

Well keep you posted as developments unfold.