Michael Copps: FCC Should Not Reinstate Fairness Doctrine

Federal Communications Commission member Michael Copps said, "I do not believe the FCC should reinstate the Fairness Doctrine," in a letter to Rep Joe Barton (R-TX).

"As I said in a speech over a year and a half ago, the Fairness Doctrine is long gone and it's not coming back," Commissioner Copps said. He said that broadcasters have a responsibility to serve their communities of license, that many do, but some "larger media conglomerates" are run by owners remote from those localities and "not so frequently in touch" with the needs of their audience. "I do not think it is onerous to expect broadcasters, in exchange for free use of the airwaves, to engage in some level of dialog with citizens of a community of license about how issues of interest are being covered." Commissioner Copps said he shared Barton's concern that Americans should have access to a diversity of voices and views, and that was why the Communications Act required broadcasters to operate in the public interest, convenience and necessity, and why the FCC "is charged with responsibilities attending that requirement."