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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin said there is no pressing need to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine after witnessing two decades of controversial issue discussion and increasing “access to an ever-expanding range of views of opinions.” In a letter to Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), a strong opponent of reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, Martin said the need for such a regulatory tool has lessened in the past two decades with the advent of the Internet and satellite broadcasting. “In short, I see no compelling reason to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine in today’s broadcast environment, and believe that such as step would inhibit the robust discussion of issues of public concern over the nation’s airwaves,” Martin said. Pence introduced the Broadcaster Freedom Act, which would prevent the Fairness Doctrine from being reinstated by the FCC. The legislation has 143 co-sponsors. The bill was created after recent outcry from Democrats for fair and balanced talk radio. “We commend the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission for his commitment to free and independent airwaves in America,” said Pence and Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) in a joint response to the letter. “Chairman Martin’s comments should encourage millions who cherish the vigorous debate of American talk radio. Nevertheless, it is imperative that Congress pass the Broadcaster Freedom Act to ensure that no future administration or FCC chairman have the power to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine without an act of Congress.” |
