Arguments Against the Fairness Doctrine

Freedom of Speech

The Freedom of Speech is one of the most fundamental American rights clearly defined in the 1st Amendment to United States Constitution. Uncensored, free critiques of the government and the ability of individuals to express their own ideas has been incredibly important force in shaping American History.

Even in colonial times, journalist Peter Zenger’s right to criticize the government was upheld by a colonial court in New York. This tradition has continued for the over 220 years the United States Constitution has been in place.

The Freedom of Speech is what has separated us from so many other nations throughout history and the world.  A system of monitoring by the federal government set up by the Fairness Doctrine would severely restrict the this precious, unalienable right.

Religious Liberty

The Freedom of Religion is another cornerstone of our nation. For our entire history, people have fled religious persecution to come to the United States and practice their faith freely.

In recent years, Christian radio and religious radio stations have grown tremendously. Listeners freely choose to listen and the stations have devloped large audiences.

These stations often broadcast programs with Christian viewpoints and religious values. Under the Fairness Doctrine, these stations’ broadcastds would be monitored and the broadcasters might be forced to promote viewpoints that run counter to their faith, thus violating religious liberty. 

Free Markets

The thousands of radio stations that have succeeded with various forms of news and talk radio in the current market have each worked hard to attract listeners and find their niche. The Fairness Doctrine would force them to alter the programming that has made them successful and cause a decline in listeners and revenue.

An Alternative to Mainstream Media

Objective analysis has shown that the mainstream TV media has grown more bias than ever. Perhaps nowhere was their bias more prevalent than in the last Presidential election.

The non-partisan Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellenc in Journalism found that 57% of stories about John McCain were negative while only 14% were positive.  In contrast 36% of stories about Barrack Obama were positive while only 29% were negative.  

Talk radio programs tend to have conservative bias (although there are also liberal and independent talk radio programs).  Given the overall bias in the mainstream media, Americans should have a right to turn to alternative views in talk radio.

Another Big Government Bureaucracy

There are a number of national talk radio shows that are very well known including but certainly not limited to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Laura Ingram, Michael Savage, Michael Reagan and James Dobson.

However, local radio stations also have many, many talk shows. I spoke on eight different shows in my own Congressional district last election. How would thousands of talk radio and news programs be monitored? Another giant government bureaucracy.

With over 2 million federal workers already, a confusing myriad of seemingly endless government programs and a $10 trillion national debt, this is exactly what that nation needs right? Definitely not. The Fairness Doctrine would create yet another government bureaucracy designed to restrict our freedom.