Media Research Center and the Fairness Doctrine

Media Research Center President Brent Bozell is challenging Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Copps to support an up or down vote on the Broadcaster Freedom Act in the House. The bill, which would bar reimpostition of the doctrine by the FCC, passed the Senate in late February. Bozell writes, "I am most appreciative that my friend - FCC Chairman Michael Copps - has no intention of reinstating the anti-First Amendment so-called 'Fairness' Doctrine. But his statement that those of us concerned about its reimposition are 'issue mongering' 'conspiracy theorists' is off-base given the stated desires of so many members of Congress." He listed 17 legislators who he said have recently called for the doctrine's return, and "reminded" Chairman Copps that he would soon be joined by as many as four new commissioners who might vote to reinstate the doctrine.