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Re-institute the Fairness Doctrine and Require Strict Adherence to Fairness and Accuracy in Broadcast Media. (Edit. Petition to be delivered to the FCC w/cc The President of the United States, Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader)

Petition Text with Background:

FCC Chairperson

Federal Communications Commission

445 12th Street Southwest,

Washington, DC 20536

We request the FCC re-institute the Fairness Doctrine and institute rules that require reporting and commentary be held to the highest journalistic standard of fairness and accuracy in broadcast media. We also request strict adherence to the 'equal time rule' devoid of a requirement for financial remuneration to the broadcasting networks. The 'Fairness Doctrine' is necessary to encourage unbiased information and diversity of editorial comment and to identify editorial comment as such as opposed to news. Recent studies have shown an unacceptably large percentage of inaccurate and misleading content in news/editorial broadcasting. Though there are alternative means of getting the news and commentary, none are as powerful as television and radio which are, for all intents and purposes, the sole domain of corporate owned entities. Corporate consolidation of media is having a chilling effect on diversity of opinions represented and the selection of news stories covered. Last but not least, these airwaves belong to the people of the United States and should be the most inclusive in diversity of viewpoints and free of bias in any news coverage. Background: The Fairness Doctrine was a policy of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), introduced in 1949, that required the holders of broadcast licenses to both present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was, in the Commission's view, honest, equitable and balanced. It was ruled constitutional by the Supreme Court in 1969 and deregulated during the Reagan era.

Respectfully yours, The Undersigned.

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http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/re-institute-the-fairness.fb50?source=c.fb&r_by=12504979

Fairness Doctrine Facts:

The Fairness Doctrine, was implemented in 1949 and set sound guidelines for honest, equitable and balanced presentation of broadcast news and editorial. Citing that the purpose of news media should be to create a better informed citizenry.

en.wikipedia.org/...

It was the law of the land for 38 years.

It was upheld as constitutional in 1969 by the Supreme Court of the United States, Red Lion Broadcasting Co. vs. FCC.

en.wikipedia.org/...

The Fairness Doctrine allowed a great deal of freedom for the broadcasters to conform with the guidelines so there wouldn't be a chilling effect on their presentation and practices of news/editorial broadcasting.

It gave journalists an ethical and legislative support for advocating the coverage of news stories that may not be popular with some in the power elite but were in the best interests of the American public.

It was deregulated by Ronald Reagan, against great public outcry not to do so, in 1987.

Congress passed a bill to make the Fairness Doctrine law shortly afterward. That bill was vetoed by President Reagan. The advent of cable news networks providing diverse newscasting options being cited as the reason.

With multiple newscast networks now being owned by a virtual oligopoly of a handful of 6 (six) corporations it is necessary to ensure that all issues are presented truthfully, in a fair and even light and that opposing views on complex issues have a chance to be represented.

Recent studies have shown a marked lack of trust in the truth and accuracy of all corporate news media.

Recent studies have also shown that that lack of trust is well founded with none of the major corporate news media outlets scoring high in 'truthfulness'.

www.politifact.com/...

The American people's interest in and reliance on corporate news media is at an unprecedented low.

There have been congressional efforts to revive the 'Fairness Doctrine'. What they need is a demonstration from the American people that they will not stop until the Fairness Doctrine is reinstated and the news media providers are held accountable for their responsibility to the American people.

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