Sen. Jim DeMint to force whiny Democrats hand on Fairness Doctorine

Sen. Jim DeMint announced that he will force a vote next week on a bill that prevents the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine.

The South Carolina Republican’s bill, the Broadcaster Freedom Act, is cosponsored by John Thune, R-S.D., and 27 others and will be offered as an amendment to the D.C. Voting Rights bill…

Sen. DeMint stated: “I’m glad President Obama finally confirmed his opposition to the Fairness Doctrine, which attacks the right of free speech on talk radio, but many Democrats in Congress are still pushing it.

“With the support of the new administration, now is the time for Congress to take a stand against this kind of censorship. I intend to seek a vote on this amendment next week so every senator is on record: Do you support free speech or do you want to silence voices you disagree with?”

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February 19, 2009 · Filed Under censorship


Comments

  • annonymous_man

    Republicans that are nationally well known including those in Congress, and Republican Governors and former Governors like Sarah Palin as well as conservative talk radio commentators today have completely lost touch with reality. The Fairness Doctrine was a law that said all radio broadcasters and TV broadcasters had to serve the public interest. They could receive a license from the government permitting them to use the airwaves but the airwaves belonged to the public and they had to allow diverse viewpoints to be heard. Under The Fairness Doctrine the media consolidation that has been going on since it was lifted would not be allowed. While the Fairness Doctrine was the law there were at least 60 independent radio broadcasters today 5 or 6 companies control a majority of the radio stations, TV channels, and publishing in the country and diverse viewpoints are left unheard.

    The Fairness Doctrine would give equal airtime to diverse voices. It would not censor conservative speech as Republicans contend it would force the radio stations, and TV networks though reporting news to provide more reporting, and more diverse viewpoints. Republican and Democratic viewpoints would both be heard. Obama is not trying to silence the right. The Right is spreading lies, smears, and misinformation. Everyone in this country is entitled to their opinion, and should be free to express their opinion as they like whether conservative or liberal — the Fairness Doctrine would just say that Rush Limbaugh’s radio station after 4 hours of Rush each day must replace Rush for the other 4 hours with someone having a view different from Rush’s. Ironically Rush Limbaugh got started on talk radio the same year the Fairness Doctrine was lifted.

  • Carolina Patriot

    The Constitution does not authorize, nor does the spirit of Liberty endorse, a federal government whose role is to “ensure fairness.” The obsession with fairness is a whiny liberal perversion of the rule of law and liberty in a country founded on the premise of inalienable rights due to individual citizens. If the market (listeners, viewers) will support an ideology, it is inappropriate for government to presume to “equalize” thought by forcing a different agenda. But statists don’t understand that crystal clear fact. And that, among other numerous reasons, is why there is a conservative backlash underway in this country today.