U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., offered a new call to revive the Federal Communication Commission's fairness doctrine.
Requiring broadcasters to offer various viewpoints when presenting controversial issues, for every Imus, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Larry Elder, broadcasters would once again be mandated to provide countering perspectives.
READ ABOUT THE FAIRNESS DOCTRINE HERE
Rep. Dingell didn't say exactly what he would do to reimpose the doctrine, but hinted that an initiative would be forthcoming.
The FCC dropped the doctrine in 1987 amidst concerns that it violated broadcasters' First Amendment free speech rights.
U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, said he planned to hold hearings on reviving the fairness doctrine. Kucinich is running for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.
TV broadcasters reacted strongly, saying the requirement interferes with news coverage. "The last thing this country needs is the government telling NPR or local broadcasters how to cover the news," said Dennis Wharton, exec VP of the National Association of Broadcasters. "We have gone without it for 20 years and there has been an explosion of coverage of issues from all angles."
In other words, we know how best to provide diversity in public dialogue and discourse. Which is why Blacks typically only appear on cable, Sunday morning news shows, and as guests on radio programs in marginalized discussions about race and racism.
Stop us when we start lying!
To get a sistah's perspective, click here.
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