Once, TV stations took stands during the news -- even against Beatles

[Commentary] Not long ago, before Fox News Channel and MSNBC wore partisanship on their sleeves, editorial commentary staking out positions on issues of the day regularly aired during local television newscasts around the country. The Federal Communications Commission deemed editorials "in the public interest" and, since stations used public airwaves, they were required to devote airtime to discuss controversial issues of public importance and offer opposing viewpoints. However, in 1987, the FCC's Fairness Doctrine was revoked, ending broadcasters' editorial obligations. Prior to that change, on-air editorials were once as common as cold-weather forecasts. Editorials were intended "to take an informed stand separate from objective news coverage" and were "aimed at improving things," said former WISN-TV news director Bunny Raasch-Hooten. Editorials were presented as the opinion of management and were usually delivered by station general managers.

[Duane Dudek is Journal Sentinel TV and film critic]