Abolishing the Fairness Doctrine
On August 4, 1987, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Dennis Patrick led the Commission to abolish the Fairness Doctrine governing radio and television broadcasters and establishing rules for airing editorial opinion on broadcast outlets. While the doctrine had been condemned by a variety of legal scholars as violating the First Amendment, it was staunchly supported by a political coalition of liberals and conservatives, and the policy to end it was controversial. The end of the fairness doctrine triggered a laissez faire approach to media content that carried over to cable TV networks, satellite systems, and the Internet. The ultimate impact of the policy is still debated.
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Former Chairman Patrick explained the policy decision that preceded the abolition of the Fairness Doctrine, the reaction to it, and his thou… read more
Former Chairman Patrick explained the policy decision that preceded the abolition of the Fairness Doctrine, the reaction to it, and his thoughts on how media markets have fared in the wake of deregulation. After his presentation he responded to audience members' questions.
On August 4, 1987, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Dennis Patrick led the Commission to abolish the Fairness Doctrine governing radio and television broadcasters and establishing rules for airing editorial opinion on broadcast outlets. While the doctrine had been condemned by a variety of legal scholars as violating the First Amendment, it was staunchly supported by a political coalition of liberals and conservatives, and the policy to end it was controversial. The end of the fairness doctrine triggered a laissez faire approach to media content that carried over to cable TV networks, satellite systems, and the Internet. The ultimate impact of the policy is still debated.
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