The Fairness Doctrine: United States Federal Communications Commission
Introduced in 1949, The Fairness Doctrine was a policy of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that required broadcasters who expressed opinions about controversial issues to give airtime to the other side. Its intent was to provide balance and increase the amount of opinion available to the public.
The FCC eliminated the Doctrine in 1987. The FCC formally removed the language that implemented the Doctrine, in August of 2011. In practice, opponents argued the Fairness Doctrine stifled free speech by intimidating broadcasters and driving up the cost of broadcasting editorials, and it served as a handy weapon against political opponents.
The FCC eliminated the Doctrine in 1987. The FCC formally removed the language that implemented the Doctrine, in August of 2011. In practice, opponents argued the Fairness Doctrine stifled free speech by intimidating broadcasters and driving up the cost of broadcasting editorials, and it served as a handy weapon against political opponents.