The Fairness Doctrine was officially erased from the books of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday. Established in 1949, the rule required broadcasters to present controversial issues in a balanced manner that included opposing views.

 

While axing 83 media industry rules, the FCC took the final step of removing the Fairness Doctrine’s language from the commission’s regulations.

 

In terms of use, the Fairness Doctrine died decades ago, when President Ronald Reagan ordered the FCC to stop enforcing it in 1987. Subsequent presidents of both parties followed Reagan’s lead. House Republicans recently requested the FCC to finish what Reagan began and publish language in the Federal Register to officially bury the doctrine.

 

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the actions taken this week were aimed at promoting “a healthy climate for private investment and job creation.”

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

FCC Finally Kills Off Fairness Doctrine (by Brooks Boliek, Politico)

Obama FCC Kills 'Fairness Doctrine' Dead, As Requested by Congressional Republicans (Brad Blog)

Fairness Doctrine (Wikipedia)