The fairness doctrine

Abstract

“The Commission does not seek to prevent the expression of any viewpoint by any licensee on any issue. It does seek to prevent the suppression of other contrasting viewpoints by any licensee on any issue when licensed broadcast facilities have been used for the presentation of one view of the issue.” In these few words, the Federal Communications Commission summarized its Public Notice of July 26, 1963 on the “Fairness Doctrine.” Not many of the FCCs announcements have generated so much confusion, or so many cries of “censorship!” The following article is an attempt by Commissioner Ford to explain the origin, meaning, interpretations, and procedures for implementing the “fairness doctrine” in such a manner as to help the broadcaster better operate in the public interest.