What is the Fairness Doctrine?

The Fairness Doctrine was a set of regulations imposed on television and radio broadcasters in the United States. It was developed and implemented in 1949 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and remained in place until 1987. Its purpose was to ensure that all controversial topics were presented on broadcast media in a balanced, fair, and unbiased manner. Under the Fairness Doctrine, broadcasters had an obligation to dedicate time for feasible opposing views of the topics that were being discussed. The regulation required television and radio stations to give “equal time” to opposing points of view. This meant that if someone expressed an opinion in a broadcast, then an opposing point of view was also required to be aired. In 1987, the Fairness Doctrine was abolished, as the FCC ruled that it violated the U.S. Constitution. This decision was largely due to the idea that broadcasters should be free to broadcast what they want, without the government interfering. Additionally, the proliferation of cable and satellite television, as well as the internet, provided new outlets for expression. While the Fairness Doctrine no longer exists, broadcasters and radio stations in Washington—and throughout the US—still have a responsibility to present news and public issues in a fair, balanced, and accurate manner.

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What is the Fairness Doctrine?

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