Dingell Backs Return of Fairness Doctrine

DINGELL BACKS RETURN OF FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
[SOURCE: TVWeek, AUTHOR: Ira Teinowitz]
House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) offered a new call to revive the Federal Communication Commission's fairness doctrine, which required broadcasters to offer competing viewpoints in a balanced manner when presenting controversial issues. He also suggested any congressional action to regulate violent TV this year is unlikely. "I don't see much happening this year [on violence]. It could change in 5 minutes if somebody does something dumb," the powerful congressman told the annual government affairs conference of the three main advertising groups, the American Advertising Federation, the Association of National Advertisers and the American Association of Advertising Agencies. The FCC in a report delivered last week recommended Congress act to regulate violent content. Rep Dingell didn't say exactly what he would do to reimpose the fairness doctrine. He also said he believes broadcasters should have no trouble with any action on the issue. "Can you explain to me why a broadcaster ought not to have to be fair or would not be fair?" he said. He also hinted an initiative would be forthcoming, saying, "If you are concerned about it, keep your eye on me, because I intend to address this one very soon."
http://www.tvweek.com/news.cms?newsId=11988
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