Revisiting the Fairness Doctrine

REVISITING THE FAIRNESS DOCTRINE

 
In light of the revelations unveiled in the FOX NEWS and Dominion Voting Machine court case, do we need to consider a new version of the Fairness Doctrine?
 
The Fairness Doctrine was a policy of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that required broadcasters to present controversial issues of public importance in a balanced and fair manner.  It was introduced in 1949 and was in effect until 1987.
 
The Fairness Doctrine required broadcasters to provide time for contrasting views on controversial issues.  Hosts were expected to give equal time to opposing viewpoints on a particular issue, although the doctrine did not require exact equality of time.  The FCC could investigate complaints from the public and revoke the license of any broadcaster found to violate the doctrine.
 
The goal of the Fairness Doctrine was to promote balanced and diverse public discourse by ensuring that different points of view were heard on the airwaves.  Proponents of the doctrine argued that it promoted a more informed and engaged citizenry, while others argued that it violated the First Amendment right to free speech.  These are both fair points.
 
In 1987, the FCC abolished the Fairness Doctrine, arguing that it was no longer necessary due to the proliferation of media outlets and the increased competition in the broadcast industry.    Some political commentators have suggested that eliminating the Fairness Doctrine has contributed to the rise of polarized and partisan media.  For example, it allowed the unbalanced rise of far-right ideologies and falsehoods promoted across American media.
 
The lack of any fairness doctrine has not always served the public well.  It leads to the proliferation of disinformation, misinformation, and falsehoods harmful to the practice of American democracy.  It allows demagogues and irresponsible commentators to manipulate the truth and the public. It makes false claims on election fraud and promotes legislation that makes it harder for citizens to exercised their right to vote and reframes our national history and identity.
 
The lack of guidance promotes disunity, discord, and violence in certain instances across the entire social spectrum of our society in a post-truth world where falsehoods reign.  And where ideologies become idols worshiped by the ill-informed with unimagined and severe consequences to American democracy.  

It allows foreign powers to meddle in American politics effectively in dangerous ways. It enables fringe groups and ideas an unbalanced reign over common-sense solutions and political discourse.  Finally, it gives voice to political demagogues among us driven by violent rhetoric and a dysfunctional narcissism that cause a greater harm.

It is worth noting that the right to free speech is not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions, such as laws prohibiting speech that incites violence or endangers public safety. However, the extent to which false or misleading reporting falls under these restrictions is a matter of debate.

In the case of Fox News' false coverage, individuals and organizations affected by their reporting could pursue legal action or advocacy efforts to hold the network accountable. Still, in a post-truth world, where misinformation and disinformation can spread quickly and easily through social media and other online platforms, the challenge of addressing the broader impact of false reporting is significant.

Ultimately, addressing the issue of media responsibility and false reporting will require a multifaceted approach that involves not only legal remedies but also education and awareness campaigns, media literacy initiatives, and efforts to promote ethical journalism standards.
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In a time of cultural wars, social polarizations, fears, and the rise of nationalism, authoritarian ideologies, and isolationists across the globe, there are questions we must ask ourselves as human beings. The great American poet and 9th Librarian of Congress, Archibald MacLeish, wrote these verses in his seventh book of poetry, The Hamlet of A.MacLeish — published in 1928.
 
“We have learned the answers, all the answers
It is the question that we do not know.
We are not wise.”


Fox, lies and videotape
​Michael de Adder — Washington Post Cartoon

Tucker Carlson Leaves Fox News

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—Ron Starbuck
Saint Julian Press, Inc.
Publisher/CEO/Executive Editor