Fairness Doctrine Watch: House Moves to Prohibit Return of Broadcast Fairness Doctrine

House Moves to Prohibit Return of Broadcast ‘Fairness Doctrine,’ Just in Case

The House voted Thursday to bar the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating the broadcast “fairness doctrine” even though there are no legislative or regulatory proposals to bring back the rule.

Mike Pence, R-Ind., a former conservative radio talk show host, offered an amendment to the bill funding federal financial entities (HR 2829) that would block the FCC from spending money to restore the mandate. The rule, repealed 20 years ago, required broadcasters to present controversial issues in a balanced manner.

During floor debate on the spending bill, José E. Serrano, D-N.Y., chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, quickly agreed to accept the amendment. But that didn’t stop Republicans from taking to the floor to warn of a free-speech threat on the airwaves.

In recent days, conservative talk show hosts, including Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, have cited public comments by Democratic Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts, Dianne Feinstein of California and Richard J. Durbin of Illinois as evidence that Democrats are trying to bring back the fairness doctrine.

Well, if the Left cannot make it in the marketplace then why not regulate it so they can get their “fair share?”

Yeah right – except that it is an unconstitutional restraint of a free press.

Besides the MSM is owned by the Left………

Guess they want it ALL.

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