A Republican senator is co-sponsoring a bill aimed at preventing Fairness Doctrine

[Revmitchell]

A Republican senator is co-sponsoring a bill aimed at preventing reinstatement of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" -- and a prominent member of the National Religious Broadcasters hopes the senator is successful.



Mississippi's Roger Wicker serves on the Senate Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over telecommunications. He is co-sponsoring the Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2009, a measure designed to prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, which he believes is the opposite of fair.

"The Fairness Doctrine is a misnomer. It is anything but fair," Wicker contends. "And when it was allowed to go out of existence, then talk radio actually flourished and we had much more of an opportunity for all viewpoints to be taught on the air."


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[LeBuick]

I would think as Christians we would want to assure truth is what's being sent across the airwaves and broadcasters should be held accountable for the legitimacy of information they disseminate. Today, broadcasters can say anything they want even when they know it is not truthful yet there is no repercussions to the broadcasters but the damage to can cause to the listeners is huge. Some of these listeners can be sitting in the pews of your Church.

I support the first amendment right to freedom of speech but I think it has to be balanced with defamation of character especially when it comes to politics because people are making impacting decisions based on this information. I would like to think they were correctly informed.

How many times did we hear Obama was a Muslim?

 

[Magnetic Poles]

This is all GOP grandstanding. I don't believe anyone on the left has even suggested restoring the Fairness Doctrine. It is just being used to rile up the righties.

 

[matt wade]

This is all GOP grandstanding. I don't believe anyone on the left has even suggested restoring the Fairness Doctrine. It is just being used to rile up the righties.

No one on the left has even suggested? How about introducing a bill...I think that's more than suggesting:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.501:

How about Pelosi when asked, "Do you personally support revival of the Fairness Doctrine?" She replied "Yes".

 

[KenH]

If people don't want to listen to right-wing radio such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity then they can do what I have done - stop listening to them.

I don't think that trying to re-establish The Fairness Doctrine is something that progressives should spend time on.

 

[Magnetic Poles]

No one on the left has even suggested? How about introducing a bill...I think that's more than suggesting:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.501:

How about Pelosi when asked, "Do you personally support revival of the Fairness Doctrine?" She replied "Yes".

2005? Got anything more recent than four years ago?

 

[matt wade]

2005? Got anything more recent than four years ago?

Yeah that quote from Pelosi was from June 2008. Is that recent enough?

You said, "I don't believe anyone on the left has even suggested restoring the Fairness Doctrine." Well, I've given you examples of two people. In fact, make that more than two people. The bill I linked to had 23 co-sponsors. Guess what party the co-sponsors are from? These aren't just "people on the left" either. They are people on the left and in elected positions in our government. If it was only left wing bloggers or something suggesting it, I could dismiss it. But, when elected officals are suggesting it (and more!) then it isn't just GOP grandstanding.

 

[Magnetic Poles]

Yeah that quote from Pelosi was from June 2008. Is that recent enough?

You said, "I don't believe anyone on the left has even suggested restoring the Fairness Doctrine." Well, I've given you examples of two people. In fact, make that more than two people. The bill I linked to had 23 co-sponsors. Guess what party the co-sponsors are from? These aren't just "people on the left" either. They are people on the left and in elected positions in our government. If it was only left wing bloggers or something suggesting it, I could dismiss it. But, when elected officals are suggesting it (and more!) then it isn't just GOP grandstanding.

The Pelosi quote is a response to a question, not an agenda for action. Plus, you didn't give us a link.

The bill was introduced four years ago. And rejected. Nothing is currently going on to even make anyone think this is on the agenda for this year. Sorry sir, but you have to do better than that. You know, we kinda have a habit around here of asking for support for assertions. A four year old rejected bill isn't it.

 

[matt wade]

The Pelosi quote is a response to a question, not an agenda for action. Plus, you didn't give us a link.

The bill was introduced four years ago. And rejected. Nothing is currently going on to even make anyone think this is on the agenda for this year. Sorry sir, but you have to do better than that. You know, we kinda have a habit around here of asking for support for assertions. A four year old rejected bill isn't it.

You, sir, make the assertion that "I don't believe anyone on the left has even suggested restoring the Fairness Doctrine." I've proven that people on the left have suggested restoring the fairness doctrine. It's funny that you say I have to give support, but when I do you just dismiss it. I don't care if the bill was rejected. It still proves that people on the left have an agenda to promote the fairness doctrine.

 

[Magnetic Poles]

You, sir, make the assertion that "I don't believe anyone on the left has even suggested restoring the Fairness Doctrine." I've proven that people on the left have suggested restoring the fairness doctrine. It's funny that you say I have to give support, but when I do you just dismiss it. I don't care if the bill was rejected. It still proves that people on the left have an agenda to promote the fairness doctrine.

So ya got nothing. Thought so. A lot has changed in four years. Four year old news is that...old news. If you find anything recent to support your position, let us know.

 

[tinytim]

If people don't want to listen to right-wing radio such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity then they can do what I have done - stop listening to them.

I don't think that trying to re-establish The Fairness Doctrine is something that progressives should spend time on.

Right, and when people quit listening, advertising will go down, and they will have to shut up.. That is the way the free market works...

If people would stop listening to idiots, idiots wouldn't be on the radio.

 

[matt wade]

So ya got nothing. Thought so. A lot has changed in four years. Four year old news is that...old news. If you find anything recent to support your position, let us know.

Here's some more for you to dismiss. I know that know matter how many examples I give you that you will not accept that your statement was wrong.

Kerry in 2007 (is 2007 too long ago?)
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6456031.html

Dick Durbin in 2007 “It’s time to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine,” said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Dianne Feinstein in 2007 "Senate Rules Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said she planned to “look at the legal and constitutional aspects of” reviving the Fairness Doctrine."
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-preps-for-talk-radio-confrontation-2007-06-27.html

Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) in 2008 (2008 good enough?)
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=38008

Oh, and I know you hate 2005 stuff, but here's another bill introduced by democrats to reinstitute the fairness doctrine. Yes, this one was rejected as well, but your statement was that none "has even suggested". Rejection or no rejection, this is suggesting.
http://www.house.gov/hinchey/issues/mora.shtml

So...are those not enough, or good enough, examples?

 

[Bro. Curtis]

The Republicans would be smart to act now. We know that Obama's broken campaign promises don't bother his flock. But I think it would be foolish to take their advice. Let them make fun. We know the guy can't be trusted any more than they can.

 

[Magnetic Poles]

Here's some more for you to dismiss. I know that know matter how many examples I give you that you will not accept that your statement was wrong.

Kerry in 2007 (is 2007 too long ago?)
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6456031.html

Dick Durbin in 2007 “It’s time to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine,” said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Dianne Feinstein in 2007 "Senate Rules Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said she planned to “look at the legal and constitutional aspects of” reviving the Fairness Doctrine."
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-preps-for-talk-radio-confrontation-2007-06-27.html

Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) in 2008 (2008 good enough?)
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=38008

Oh, and I know you hate 2005 stuff, but here's another bill introduced by democrats to reinstitute the fairness doctrine. Yes, this one was rejected as well, but your statement was that none "has even suggested". Rejection or no rejection, this is suggesting.
http://www.house.gov/hinchey/issues/mora.shtml

So...are those not enough, or good enough, examples?

Still dredging up things from previous session of Congress? Let me rephrase more explicitly, just for you. No one has recently suggested that the Fairness Doctrine be revived. The only one that is less than two years old that you bring up is the one from 2008, and in it, Senator Bingaman told KKOB that he would like to see it reinstated. This is the closest you have come to supporting your position, and even that is weak...one Senator's preference, not any effort to actually do so. So I'll concede you this one point. The rest are history. I don't "hate" stories from 2005 as you assert. I merely point out to you that you cannot say a bill proposed and defeated four years ago has any bearing on the next Congress. The fact remains, there is no liberal movement currently proposing to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine...only Righties using it as a scare tactic to gain attention. This is not to say it couldn't happen...but this is the fact today.

Your boys better be careful stirring it up...it could backfire and give someone the idea to go ahead and do it. Then the neocon grip on talk radio might slip away! :thumbs:

 

[matt wade]

"When Press asked if it is time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine, Stabenow responded, "I think it's absolutely time to pass a standard." To Press' inquiry as to whether she will push for hearings in the Seante "to bring these owners in and hold them accountable," Stabenow replied, "I have already had some discussions with colleagues, and, you know, I feel like that's going to happen. Yep.""

http://www.radioink.com/Article.asp?id=1148115&spid=24698


That happened yesterday. Recent enough for you?

 

[Revmitchell]

Let me rephrase more explicitly, just for you. No one has recently suggested that the Fairness Doctrine be revived.

Incorrect:

Alan Specter said other wise as of Jan 15

"Mr. Holder, there had been suggestions for a revival of the so-called Fairness Doctrine, and my question to you is do you think that as a matter of public policy, the so-called Fairness Doctrine ought to be reinstated?"

http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MDZiMTc0N2QxMjBkYWVkMTdjODMyYzY5ZTlkYjk3MzQ=

__________________________________________________

"The speaker of the House made it clear to me and more than forty of my colleagues yesterday that a bill by Rep. Mike Pence (R.-Ind.) to outlaw the “Fairness Doctrine” (which a liberal administration could use to silence Rush Limbaugh, other radio talk show hosts and much of the new alternative media) would not see the light of day in Congress during ’08. In ruling out a vote on Pence’s proposed Broadcaster's Freedom Act, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-CA.) also signaled her strong support for revival of the “Fairness Doctrine” -- which would require radio station owners to provide equal time to radio commentary when it is requested.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=27185


________________________________________________________________________________________


WASHINGTON – Another Democratic U.S. senator has gone on record as supporting the reinstatement of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine," adding, "I feel like that's gonna happen."

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., told radio host and WND columnist Bill Press yesterday when asked about whether it was time to bring back the so-called "Fairness Doctrine": "I think it's absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it's called the Fairness Standard, whether it's called something else – I absolutely think it's time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place."

Asked by Press if she could be counted on to push for hearings in the Senate this year "to bring these (radio station) owners in and hold them accountable," she replied: "I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that's gonna happen. Yep."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=88113

 

[LeBuick]

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., told radio host and WND columnist Bill Press yesterday when asked about whether it was time to bring back the so-called "Fairness Doctrine": "

There's one reason we need such regulations. People should know the truth. There is no substitute for truth in information.

 

[Magnetic Poles]

Comments on the radio are not introducing legislation, but if they are calling for it, good for them. BTW it is Arlen Specter, not Alan Specter, and he is a Republican. He is one GOP member who I believe "gets it" most of the time.

 

[Revmitchell]

Comments on the radio are not introducing legislation, but if they are calling for it, good for them. BTW it is Arlen Specter, not Alan Specter, and he is a Republican. He is one GOP member who I believe "gets it" most of the time.

You know every one misspells via typo from time to time. Your pointing that out helps nothing. Who cares if I accidentally left an "r" out. Move on good grief.

What you said was:

Let me rephrase more explicitly, just for you. No one has recently suggested that the Fairness Doctrine be revived

I proved that statement incorrect. You said nothing about legislation.

 

[Magnetic Poles]

You know every one misspells via typo from time to time. Your pointing that out helps nothing. Who cares if I accidentally left an "r" out. Move on good grief.

What you said was:



I proved that statement incorrect. You said nothing about legislation.

And I didn't deny that you found something, even though I doubt the Wing Nut got it right.