RADIO LISTENER ALERT! The Obama Administration Agenda, posted on WhiteHouse.gov, contains the following statement: "Encourage Diversity in Media Ownership: Encourage diversity in the ownership of broadcast media, promote the development of new media outlets for expression of diverse viewpoints, and clarify the public interest obligations of broadcasters who occupy the nation's spectrum." Americans for Broadcasting Freedom also encourages diverse viewpoints in the media. We are concerned however, about the phrase "clarify the public interest obligations of broadcasters". Since 1987, broadcasters have not been held to any specific "obligations" of public interest. DO NOT BE DECEIVED...The new FairnessDoctrine will limit free speech on American airwaves.  |
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Warning!! Is the Fairness Doctrine about to be Reinstated?
Are we witnessing the last days of Talk Radio in America?
Quick links: History | Congress | Future | ABF Plan
Are we witnessing the last days of Talk Radio in America?
Quick links: History | Congress | Future | ABF Plan
LEGISLATION UPDATE — November 1, 2010
ELECTION DAY Make sure your voice is heard. Exercise your right to vote today.
ELECTION DAY Make sure your voice is heard. Exercise your right to vote today.
FAIRNESS DOCTRINE HISTORY
The Fairness Doctrine was instituted by the FCC in 1949 for the purpose of providing equal time on the public airwaves for issues of controversy. Broadcasters voluntarily adhered to the Fairness Doctrine until 1987 when the FCC under President Reagan abolished it. (For a brief article about the history of the Fairness Doctrine located on The Museum of Broadcast Communications website, click here.)
DIM FUTURE FOR TALK RADIO
More and more it looks like a Democrat-controlled Congress wants to bring back the Fairness Doctrine. With so much content available in every form of media, why is the Fairness Doctrine needed at this time? What would be the purpose other than to silence a specific "type" of speech with which they don't agree or are able to defeat in the arena of the free exchange of ideas?
The effects of bringing back the Fairness Doctrine are likely to be:
The Fairness Doctrine was instituted by the FCC in 1949 for the purpose of providing equal time on the public airwaves for issues of controversy. Broadcasters voluntarily adhered to the Fairness Doctrine until 1987 when the FCC under President Reagan abolished it. (For a brief article about the history of the Fairness Doctrine located on The Museum of Broadcast Communications website, click here.)DIM FUTURE FOR TALK RADIO
More and more it looks like a Democrat-controlled Congress wants to bring back the Fairness Doctrine. With so much content available in every form of media, why is the Fairness Doctrine needed at this time? What would be the purpose other than to silence a specific "type" of speech with which they don't agree or are able to defeat in the arena of the free exchange of ideas?The effects of bringing back the Fairness Doctrine are likely to be:
- AM Radio will disappear or AM Radio broadcasters will be forced to abandon political-based talk radio for less controversial (and less profitable) formats.
- Conservative AND Liberal Talk Radio will be ELIMINATED from the airwaves.
- Segments of the radio-listening public will be UNDER SERVED.
- Jobs will be lost.
- Advertising revenues may significantly DECREASE.
- Free speech over American air waves will be SUPPRESSED.
U.S. CONGRESS TO REINSTATE THE FAIRNESS DOCTRINE?
Today there are lawmakers in Congress, such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who are in favor of reinstating the Fairness Doctrine and oppose any legislation to permanently outlaw it. While President-elect Barack Obama has publicly stated he is not in favor of bringing back the Fairness Doctrine, he is in favor of imposing other restrictions on broadcasters who fail to “balance” their programming. Other lawmakers, such as Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), have publicly discussed their desire to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine. (Senator Bingaman on KKOB, Albuquerque commenting on the Fairness Doctrine - click here)
ABF's PLAN TO SAVE TALK RADIO
Americans for Broadcasting Freedom has a plan. While ABF OPPOSES the Fairness Doctrine, our plan isn't designed to eliminate the Fairness Doctrine. Our plan works within the confines of the Fairness Doctrine to preserve talk radio for all radio listeners. Our plan may not be able save AM Radio; however, our plan does the following:
Today there are lawmakers in Congress, such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who are in favor of reinstating the Fairness Doctrine and oppose any legislation to permanently outlaw it. While President-elect Barack Obama has publicly stated he is not in favor of bringing back the Fairness Doctrine, he is in favor of imposing other restrictions on broadcasters who fail to “balance” their programming. Other lawmakers, such as Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), have publicly discussed their desire to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine. (Senator Bingaman on KKOB, Albuquerque commenting on the Fairness Doctrine - click here)ABF's PLAN TO SAVE TALK RADIO
Americans for Broadcasting Freedom has a plan. While ABF OPPOSES the Fairness Doctrine, our plan isn't designed to eliminate the Fairness Doctrine. Our plan works within the confines of the Fairness Doctrine to preserve talk radio for all radio listeners. Our plan may not be able save AM Radio; however, our plan does the following:- Preserves Conservative Talk Radio on as many markets as it broadcasts in today and opens new markets.
- Creates parity between Conservative and Liberal Talk Radio air time without reducing current levels of either type.
- Provides a specific method for addressing "localism" requirements.
- Encourages additional FM radio stations to adopt talk radio as the preferred format.
- Allows FM radio stations to access talk radio as an emerging revenue producer.
- Introduces a new and unique method of talk radio broadcasting utilizing existing technology.
Let our Federal lawmakers know how you feel about the Fairness Doctrine. Write your
Americans for Broadcasting Freedom updates this site often.
Please check back periodically for updates and more information.
Please check back periodically for updates and more information.