It has been 20 years since the Fairness Doctrine was repealed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Yet in recent weeks, the rule that required broadcasters to balance views they aired on controversial subjects has re-emerged as a topic of debate in media circles--and particularly on talk radio.
Some hosts in the conservative-dominated talk radio universe have warned listeners that Congressional Democrats and liberals want to revive the Fairness Doctrine in an effort to silence voices and views they don't like. And some have warned that any return to the rule would produce a "Hush Rush Bill." (The National Review published a recent cover story on the topic, complete with a photo of Rush Limbaugh gagged with duct tape.)
Read the full article Is the Fairness Doctrine Fair Game? at the Pew Research Center Web site.