HR 3302 is an attempt to resurrect the so called Fairness Doctrine on broadcast media.  A summary of the bill says, "require a broadcast licensee to afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views on issues of public importance, consistent with the rules and policies of the Federal Communications Commission" So you might say so what!  We should be able to hear opposing views.  The first problem is that it is the government that decides what discussion should be subject to this rule and any broadcaster that the government does not like can lose their license because of it.  This rule would be enforced by a bureacracy and any bureacracy is going to reflect the appointed leaders.  So if Republicans are in control of the Federal Communications Commision (FCC) then you know that they will take a harder look at liberal discussions then they would a conservative one.  If the Democrats are in control of the FCC then it will be conservative ideas that will be under scrutiny.

An article by the Heritage Foundation points out that this is exactly what happened under the Kennedy and Nixon administrations when the Fairness doctrine was being enforced  (see the section under Reality).  It is also important to note that it is Democrats who are sponsoring the bill.  We all know that the print and cable media greatly favours Democrats.  We also know that broadcast radio greatly favours conservatives.  So who do you think will come under scrutiny?  Thats right conservative radio will suddenly have to moderate their viewpoint, or risk losing thier licenses.  All the time while print media and cable television are allowed to spout liberal propoganda without any opposition.

How can anyone liberal or conservative think that this is a good idea?

 - Thomas Paine 2

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