Senator Introduces Bill to Ban Fairness Doctrine

U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, R-SC, is set to introduce a bill in the Senate next week that would prevent the FCC from censoring conservative talk radio. The bill would be an amendment to the D.C. Voting Rights legislation before Congress.

And this is the subject of my column today at Columbia Conservative Examiner.

In that article you will find the reasons why this bill is necessary, along with quotations from Democrats concerning the issue.

I invite you to read it and then pass along the info about the column to your friends, family, and acquaintances. Thank-you.

Breaking Update on Muzzling Conservative Radio

BILL PRESS: Yeah, I mean, look: They have a right to say that. They’ve got a right to express that. But, they should not be the only voices heard. So, is it time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine?

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I think it’s absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it’s called the Fairness Standard, whether it’s called something else — I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.

BILL PRESS: Can we count on you to push for some hearings in the United States Senate this year, to bring these owners in and hold them accountable?

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that’s gonna happen. Yep.

Be sure to read the entire infuriating interview with Sen. Stabenow here, and note the blatant conflict-of-interest mentioned at the end of the piece.

For the complete scoop, Newsbusters blows the whistle on Senator Stabenow and her conflict of interest in pushing for the muzzling of conservative talk radio.

BEWARE THE FAIRNESS DOCTRINE TROJAN HORSE

As we have been warning for months, even years, the attempt by liberal Democrats to silence conservative voices on radio and other media may well take the covert tactic of using a 'Trojan horse' that would have the same effect as the Fairness Doctrine, but without calling it that.

News has come to our attention that an FCC commissioner has confirmed this tactic. It is very real. And they are serious about doing it.

McDowell warned that if the doctrine were revived, it might not "wear the same label. That's just Marketing 101: if your brand is controversial, make a new brand," he told his audience.

He suggested the doctrine could be woven into the fabric of policy initiatives with names like localism, diversity or network neutrality. "According to some, the premise of any of these initiatives is similar to the philosophical underpinnings of the Doctrine: the government must keep electronic conduits of information viewpoint neutral," he said.

McDowell suggested that a stealth version of the doctrine may already be teed up at the FCC in the form of community advisory boards to help determine local programming. McDowell says he is fine with those boards if they are voluntary--some stations already seek such input. But that if they are required, as the FCC has proposed, "Would not such a policy be akin to re-imposition of the Doctrine, albeit under a different name and sales pitch?"

McDowell also said that efforts to reimpose the doctrine could stretch to cable, satellite, and even the Internet. "Certain legal commentators have suggested that a new corollary of the Doctrine should be fashioned for the Internet, on the theory that web surfers should be exposed to topics and views that they have not chosen for themselves," adding: "I am not making this up."

Folks, this is war. Remember, they are not only targeting radio but television and the Internet. This is a direct, frontal attack on free speech, and it is all being done without reviving 'the Fairness Doctrine.'

It would be highly advisable for all who are interested in protecting free speech to read this entire article that spells out the intention of the enemies of liberty.