Bush Advisor Warns Against Re-Instating Fairness Doctrine

Meredith Attwell Baker, acting head of the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, told a Media Institute luncheon audience that it would be a mistake to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcasters to air both sides of controversial issues. She said the doctrine was "rightly laid upon the scrap heap of media history more than 20 years ago." Asked after the speech why she had gone out of her way to address the doctrine issue, Baker said: "Part of my job is not just being in charge of the digital transition, but to also advise on other issues that are out there. I think that we still hear from the Hill, as agendas are getting set, that is on the list of things" people are looking at. Baker was delivering something of a valedictory address, given that she says she has not been asked to stay on by the new administration. Unless that status changes, she would be exiting when Obama administration takes over and before the DTV transition date of Feb. 17, 2009.