In 1949 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued the "Fairness Doctrine," requiring broadcasters to give equal time to both sides of a controversial issue.  Rather than do this, many broadcasters opted to air non-controversial material, which essentially killed healthy debate and discussion.  The Fairness Doctrine was thankfully repealed in 1985.

        Lately, in response to talk radio being largely dominated by conservative talk show hosts, liberals in Congress have discussed resurrecting the Fairness Doctrine. 

        To nip these discussions in the bud, Representative Mike Pence (R-Indiana) introduced the "Broadcaster Freedom Act," which strips the FCC of its authority to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine and
protects free speech on our airwaves.

        "There is nothing fair about the Fairness Doctrine," said Pence in announcing the amendment. "Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine would amount to government control over political views expressed on the public airwaves. It is a dangerous proposal to suggest the government should be in the business of rationing free speech."

        Thankfully, earlier this week the House voted overwhelmingly (309-115) to pass the Broadcaster Freedom Act and prohibit the FCC from using taxpayer dollars to impose the Fairness Doctrine. 

        Although we are grateful for this victory for free speech, it is important for citizens to remain vigilant.  There could likely be another attempted resurrection of the Fairness Doctrine should liberals succeed in
electing a Democrat to the White House in 2008.  Many pundits have speculated that Fairness Doctrine proponents are simply biding their time during the George W. Bush administration.

        So, stay tuned!