Changes

The '''fairness doctrine''' requires broadcasters who air material on controversial issues to provide reasonable time for the expression of opposing views. One recurring criticism of this requirement is that it has the [[de facto]] effect of limiting broadcast-media treatment of certain controversial subjects. <ref>Doris Garber argues that "the media frequently shy away from programs dealing with controversial public issues to avoid demands to air opposing views in place of revenue-producing programs.'' </ref> Under [[FCC]] regulations, however, the media can avoid the problem of furnishing additional air-time for opposing views if they include opposing views on the issues in their regular news programming. the courts have tended to side with radio and television media if they can bring forth reasonably good evidence of "fairness" in the coverage.

The '''fairness doctrine''' was a policy of the U. S. Federal Communications Commission from 1949 until 1987. It was abandoned during the Reagan administration.<ref>[http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/F/htmlF/fairnessdoct/fairnessdoct.htm The Fairness Doctrine], Museum of Broadcast Communication]</ref> One effect of its demise was to open the doors to today's political "talk radio," previously inhibited by stations' concerns that they would be required to give time to opposing views.

 

The doctrine required broadcasters who aired material on controversial issues to provide reasonable time for the expression of opposing views. One recurring criticism of this requirement was that it had the [[de facto]] effect of limiting broadcast-media treatment of certain controversial subjects. <ref>Doris Garber argues that "the media frequently shy away from programs dealing with controversial public issues to avoid demands to air opposing views in place of revenue-producing programs.'' </ref> Under [[FCC]] regulations, however, the media could avoid the problem of furnishing additional air-time for opposing views if they included opposing views on the issues in their regular news programming. The courts tended to side with radio and television media if they can bring forth reasonably good evidence of "fairness" in the coverage.

== References ==

== References ==

Doris A. Garber, "Mass Media and American Politics" (Washington: Congressional Quarterly Press, 1980), p. 93

Doris A. Garber, "Mass Media and American Politics" (Washington: Congressional Quarterly Press, 1980), p. 93