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We Cannot Allow “Fairness Doctrine” To Be Reinstated In Broadcasting (Rep. Tim Walberg)

by Mich. GOP Rep. Tim Walberg - 06/28/07 12:09 PM ET

Talk radio is an asset to our nation because it encourages strong and healthy debate about public policy, and there is no reason to affect that debate with government legislation.

The year the Fairness Doctrine was originally introduced, 1949, President Truman also introduced legislation you may be familiar with: the Fair Deal.

I am asking for a fair deal for American talk radio programs and their millions of bi-partisan listeners. The Broadcasters Freedom Act would ensure these debates continue, and I am proud to support this legislation so that millions of American radio listeners are given a fair deal.

The broadcast world has changed tremendously since 1949. In today’s world where consumers watch HDTV, listen to HD Radio and talk on iPhones, the number of broadcast outlets available to the general public is much, much greater than back in 1949.

With the market of political ideas flourishing not only on the radio, but also on the Internet, on TV and in print, there is no need for government control of public airwaves.

Do we really want the FCC to conduct investigations and issue warnings to radio talk show hosts nationwide who simply discuss the important issues of our time?

The Constitution says “freedom of speech,” not “freedom of government approved fair speech in rationed amounts.