Some of you here are too young to remember what television and radio were like when there was a Fairness Doctrine. I can only assure you that it was different, very different. When a controversial point was discussed, the broadcaster was legally required to give time to an opposing view.
You could not air "Stolen Honor" without also giving time to someone who disagreed with the SBVT.
You could not have a guest proclaiming Democrats cause cancer without giving some time to Democrats to refute the statement.
It was a better world.
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It wasn't perfect. And it wasn't equal time. But at least broadcasters were forced to give at least a little time to someone who disagreed with them. Viewers were introduced to a wider range of opinion than they are now.
There is a petition you can sign to support Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) who has introduced legislation to bring back the fairness doctrine.
Renew the Fairness Doctrine
It's too late for 2004, but let's work to get it in place for 2006 and beyond!