Is there growing opposition to reimposing the so-called Fairness Doctrine or is there a clever plot to convince opponents that they need not worry?
I have written about the doctrine, the leftist effort to reimpose its censorship and the varying prospects for reimposition six times during the past three years, including a column on Newsmax.com on Feb. 5, 2007, “The Effort to Reimpose the So-Called Fairness Doctrine Grows.”
The Fairness Doctrine is nothing but censorship. In substance, it would require a talk-show host either to advocate both sides of an issue or accord those who disagree with his view the opportunity to present their opposition on the show.
Many prominent news figures, including former CBS anchor Dan Rather, and high-profile Democratic leaders reportedly oppose reimposing the doctrine. Because most liberal candidates for federal office favor the doctrine, it truly would be news — and most welcome news! — if a significant number of them opposed the doctrine.
This would be especially meaningful if, as appears likely, the next administration and Congress are under strongly liberal leadership.
However, are these reports anywhere near accurate? Is there really a significant movement among leaders of the left and others, if any “others” there be, to oppose reimposition? Or is some or all of the noise created to lull opponents of the doctrine into forgetting about it so the proponents can combine their forces and ram it through?
Whichever applies, all of us who believe in free speech must continue to be vigilant. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty . . .” and also the price of freedom of the airwaves. More than once in all my years in Washington, I have seen a movement organize itself quietly, effectively, and successfully. Well and good when it’s a movement for freedom or another good cause. Wrecking talk shows by curbing their free speech is censorship and danger. Let us continue our vigilance.
Paul M. Weyrich is chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Foundation.
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