The Needless Doctrine

THE NEEDLESS DOCTRINE
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Editorial Staff]
[Commentary] The Fairness Doctrine -- requiring broadcasters to air multiple viewpoints on controversial subjects -- sounds fair, but making it a government regulation inhibited discussion of public affairs and led to coverage of only non-controversial issues. Yes, broadcasters use public spectrum, but government content control is not a fair price to pay for the privilege. Nor is inhibiting free speech. Media reformers should know better than to pine for the return of this antique rule, especially at a time when a rather average cable package picks up 100 channels, and the Internet offers tens of thousands of other places to get information.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6410632.html?display=Opinion