Jeff Bingaman: You know what would be sweet? Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine
posted at 3:10 pm on October 22, 2008 by Allahpundit
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The closer we get to a filibuster-proof Democratic majority, the more I think my earlier take about them wanting to avoid pushing this is wrong. The risk is that it’ll galvanize conservatives, but if they get a huge mandate in two weeks and can pass some crowd-pleasing legislation early on to shore up their popularity, why wouldn’t they press their advantage by trying to knock Limbaugh et al. onto satellite radio? Bingaman knows how to sell it, with exalted language about a “higher calling.” Imagine how much more exalted it’ll sound coming from The One, after he has one of his patented changes of heart and decides it’s a good idea after all. The public’s already halfway there.
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The end is near. Stock up on ammo, guns, canned goods and short wave radios to get out the message.
Mr. Joe on October 22, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Not gonna happen.
ManlyRash on October 22, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Oh, I can’t wait to send out my daily reminders of where some so-called conservatives stood when it counted.
TheBigOldDog on October 22, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Really? Why not?
TheBigOldDog on October 22, 2008 at 3:13 PM
I suspect people will be wondering why this doesnt apply to TV, internet and print
lodge on October 22, 2008 at 3:15 PM
This is going to happen along with DC statehood and chicago machine politics moved to a national level.
Why wouldn’t he do it? The far left has been waiting for 40 years to take power.
They plan on staying awhile
kangjie on October 22, 2008 at 3:15 PM
If we get the Fairness Doctrine, does that mean that Olbermann will be forced to have O’Reilly as his co-host?
Beo on October 22, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Radio Free America in 1.2.3.4
Hening on October 22, 2008 at 3:16 PM
It will happen. Pelosi and Reid want it. They have endorsed it. Obama has not supported it openly, but it goes along with his Marxist/socialist training. It will be done.
When it happens, it will be harder for them to shut down the internet. Hot Air and other conservative sites will be more important. This will be the last line of defense.
Star20 on October 22, 2008 at 3:16 PM
They’ll only apply it to radio.
Iblis on October 22, 2008 at 3:17 PM
“They’ll only apply it to radio.
Iblis on October 22, 2008 at 3:17 PM”
Until they have the ability to apply it everywhere.
Star20 on October 22, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Satellite radio here I come. I heard Judge Napolitano discussing this yesterday and he thinks, with recent supreme court decisions on speech freedoms, that they can try, but it won’t likely stand. Who knows, but they will have one hell of a fight on their hands and they may come to regret the law of unintended consequences.
bopbottle on October 22, 2008 at 3:19 PM
The “higher calling” is to allow Bingaman to say whatever he wants, but strip him of any power to force his insane views on anyone else.
We know what to do about those whose speech we don’t want to hear: don’t listen or read! Don’t buy the products of their sponsors, don’t encourage others to listen/read.
If I want the lib-wacko point of view, I can listen to PBS, which we pay for.
It’s called freedom, Jeff. You have no more right to force me to listen to views I oppose than Osama Obama has to impose his totalitarian vision on freedom-loving Americans.
MrScribbler on October 22, 2008 at 3:19 PM
popularity, why wouldn’t they press their advantage by trying to knock Limbaugh et al. onto satellite radio?
Not to mention talk radio will be going nuclear in any event so this might be just brushed aside as “oh they hate everything we do.”
I think they’ll try it.
Dash on October 22, 2008 at 3:20 PM
Isn’t there a way around it, put on the ‘differing’ opinion at 0300 rather than during prime time?
Bishop on October 22, 2008 at 3:20 PM
I’ve been waiting for this to “officially” rear it’s head. This would be the kind of Draconian liberal legislation that would incite me to march on Washington. Who the hell is with me?
hawkdriver on October 22, 2008 at 3:20 PM
I’d like to know how many of them currently own stock or plan to buy any satellite radio companies?
Smooth Rooster on October 22, 2008 at 3:20 PM
The Liberals are on a roll today,
I bet before this days out,there
will be a few op-ed pieces of
impeachment of President Bush!!
canopfor on October 22, 2008 at 3:21 PM
Fairness Doctrine
New “Assault Weapon” Ban
Re-institution of OCS drilling
Massive taxes
“Redistibutionism”
Largest expansion of the Welfare State
Capitulation to foreign interests
The crushing of disent
A probable return of the “Misery Index” (probably renamed the “Hope Index”)
Hyperinflation
Ahhh, can’t you just taste it?
That’s all “Change” you can believe in!
catmman on October 22, 2008 at 3:21 PM
This is not 1949 when we only had one television station. Nor is it the mid-80s when we had limited radio stations. I doubt this would stand USSC scrutiny. And if they pack the court with liberal justices unethical enough to enforce this, all hell will break lose. I don’t understand how a station can be forced to share their airwaves with another party when the party can buy their own station. You can’t share your audience because no conservatives are going to listen to air america type loonyness.
Blake on October 22, 2008 at 3:22 PM
You think the Bingamans, Obamas, Pelosis and Reids will let you express yourself freely? You’ll get assigned some Kos blogger to give the “opposing view.”
PS to Allahpundit: Osama Obama doesn’t have to support this openly. His comrades in Congress will get ‘er done. And then The Messiah will enforce it. Vigorously.
MrScribbler on October 22, 2008 at 3:22 PM
McCain will be elected president. The Democrats will not have a veto-proof majority.
ManlyRash on October 22, 2008 at 3:22 PM
“higher level”,”more intelligent”?
Unbelievable.
Lemmings!!!!! Fall into line!!!!!!!!!!!1
oakpack on October 22, 2008 at 3:23 PM
First they came for talk radio . . .
rbj on October 22, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Exalted my a$$. The Fourth Estate is scum.
Blake on October 22, 2008 at 3:23 PM
so Judge Stevens would end up getting to decide if they could muffle Rush?
jp on October 22, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Why do I get the feeling that if Obummer wins, I will be forced to hide a shortwave radio under the fireplace grate, or in a pail of water with a false bottom?
How is it so many people seem willing to shit-can so many of our rights? I’m getting creeped out.
Any HAM operators here?
Bishop on October 22, 2008 at 3:24 PM
The real question is whether the Supreme Court would allow the Fairness Doctrine to stand as law. Scalia, Thomas, Roberts and Alito would almost certainly favor striking it down. Ginsburg, Breyer and Souter would likely vote to uphold it. Comes down to Kennedy again, who’s not dependable when it comes to free speech isues.
Cicero43 on October 22, 2008 at 3:24 PM
The Fairness Doctraine would not boost the value of AM radio time. It would about destroy it.
hawkdriver on October 22, 2008 at 3:24 PM
I usually don’t talk this way over here, I save it for Ace, but F you douchebag breath Jeff.
kahall on October 22, 2008 at 3:24 PM
i bet they make Blogs exempt from this, since so many Liberal blogs out there and they suck on radio.
Can we apply it to the MSM? I want to be able to Produce a segment of NBC Nightly news myself.
jp on October 22, 2008 at 3:24 PM
That is just what the libs want. If they can’t beat conservatives with ideas; they’ll pass legislation to mute the oppositions voices.
la.rt.wngr on October 22, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Could Bush Privatize the AM radio wave, i.e. de-regulate it before they take power?
jp on October 22, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Even if McCain wins that doesn’t guarantee he will veto such a bill.
aengus on October 22, 2008 at 3:25 PM
What day is it? The 22nd? God, please, give me strength. Thirteen more days, but every day seems like it is four days long. Oh please hurry. Come on calendar, make time fly!
Thank God for Rush, he was on fire today.
rockhauler on October 22, 2008 at 3:25 PM
WTF is Jeff Bingaman, or whatever his name is?
rightwingprof on October 22, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Who the hell is with me?
Here. I attended Gathering of Eagles, I won’t let these thugs take my freedoms without a fight.
Bishop on October 22, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Fwiw, tightening – Manly’s ship theory materializing…and even even.
Entelechy on October 22, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Cicero43 on October 22, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Just another reason the SCOTUS should be considered election day.
oakpack on October 22, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Fairness Doctrine is a dumb but antiquated idea. Satellite and Internet have made it so that political speech is abundant. The air waves are increasingly less essential.
dedalus on October 22, 2008 at 3:27 PM
The Supreme Court has allowed the fairness doctrine ONLY for broadcast tv and radio, on the theory that broadcast spectrum is “scarce” and that the government therefore holds it in “trust” for the American people and licenses it in the public interest. The doctrine can’t apply to print media, cable, satellite, and the internet because those resources are not “scarce.”
As a practical matter, the reason why Fairness Doctrine could pass is that the only group who would oppose it would be the media companies that are heavily invested in talk radio. Music-playing radio stations wouldn’t care, broadcast television would care a little, but not too much, since most of their politically-oriented shows are now on cable… New media and print media wouldn’t care… XM wouldn’t care…
Well, since talk radio is overwhelmingly conservative, why would Democrats care what talk radio thinks about anything?
Outlander on October 22, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Somewhere between this rejection of the 1st Amendment and their commitment to granting State’s rights to the non-state of D.C., I’ve managed to lose track of even a single line of the U.S. Constitution with which the Left agrees. Perhaps it’s about time to start questioning their patriotism.
Blacklake on October 22, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Possibly because of the “wet dream” scenario from bloggers?
Mcguyver on October 22, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Because the govt’s position is by definition uncontroversial, and therefore no opposing positions are needed.
MarkTheGreat on October 22, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Only if they’re both in seperate cages.
Rovin on October 22, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Call Senator Bingaman’s office and give your two cents about his lust for the Fairness Doc-call 575-523-6561. I spoke to a squirrel named Greg who didn’t seem too pleased to speak to a constiuent about “Uh, what?” the Fairness Doc.
I explained that the Dems had ABC, NBC, AND CBS, PBS, NPR, and AIR AMERICA. What else do they want? Just because NO ONE wants to listen to them is not our problem.
I also told him to tell Bingaman to SHUT UP, he’s making New Mexicans look like idiots.
He muttered something and hung up…..
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 3:28 PM
You’re off by one.
TWELVE DAYS REMAIN!! TWELVE DAYS REMAIN!!!
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 22, 2008 at 3:29 PM
So now the libruls want to add talk radio employees to their huge unemployment lines.
oakpack on October 22, 2008 at 3:29 PM
A lot of infrastructure is underwritten by Unc Sam so that would be hard. Like buying your own airport.
hawkdriver on October 22, 2008 at 3:31 PM
I have reported this before, during the 70’s and the fairness doctrine, the king of talk shows was Michael Jackson (the radio host). He was by far the most popular in America, and that was at the infancy of the new syndication shows that were emerging.
He fought hard against the fairness doctrine, he had to have his B-1 Dornan’s on, along with this lefty friends. I remember the day it was ruled that the fairness doctrine was over. He was overjoyed, and from that day on, he had nothing but lefty’s (a few conservatives, but not many). When the election came, he might as well been the democratic headquarters…and his numbers dropped, and dropped, until he was dropped.
The fact is, left wing radio doesn’t survive because it relies on lies and misinformation…sponsors won’t support left wing radio.
right2bright on October 22, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Not only do I think it will happen I also think we will see some high profile hate crime trials with Rush, Coulter and maybe even our HA founder. They will want blood and they will want to ensure that everyone toes the new line. The Age of BO is upon us and it will pretty much shock the crap out of most everyone when they see what they so eagerly voted for.
jmarcure on October 22, 2008 at 3:32 PM
How precious.
csdeven on October 22, 2008 at 3:33 PM
Settled then. We plan it.
In the words of Paris Hilton. “Game on Bitches” Or something like that.
hawkdriver on October 22, 2008 at 3:33 PM
So MSNBC would have to follow the doctrine, along with equal inches of editorials in the NYT?
It won’t happen.
right2bright on October 22, 2008 at 3:33 PM
You take the “high” road and I’ll take the low road FlyBoy.
Meet you there in the middle.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on October 22, 2008 at 3:34 PM
OK, who is the “deciderer” as to what is consrervative content and what is liberal content? Seems a little subjective. Some people would call Brokaw’s view conservative.
If this was the case it would have to apply to all other means of media as well. I would predict this to be flash point issue that would drive conservatives to the torches and pitchfork point.
Alden Pyle on October 22, 2008 at 3:34 PM
and then when they came for my Wii, there was no one……
Hening on October 22, 2008 at 3:34 PM
No it means that we get far left balanced with loony left. All other stuff will be deamed hate speach.
jmarcure on October 22, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Actually I hope the Democrats push this. I think this idea will backfire on them.
Maxx on October 22, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Why not? We are bringing back slavery where all but the elites will live on Uncle Sam’s Plantation!
Bicyea on October 22, 2008 at 3:34 PM
If this happens, the American people should shut down Congress and the FCC until it’s revoked.
CP on October 22, 2008 at 3:34 PM
This is why judges matter.
Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges. Judges.
mattshu on October 22, 2008 at 3:34 PM
And to think we used to laugh at the Russians.
grapeknutz on October 22, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Good thing he’s not going to win then :)
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 22, 2008 at 3:35 PM
That kind of action would be a very dangerous catalyst.
hawkdriver on October 22, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Of course, it does. The Fairness Doctrine is so antiquated as to be a joke and anti-American, too.
Blake on October 22, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Near the Old Georgia Pine?
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 22, 2008 at 3:36 PM
http://balkin.blogspot.com/2007/07/fairness-doctrine-part-i.html
http://balkin.blogspot.com/2007/08/fairness-doctrine-part-ii.html
Here are a couple of old blog posts on the Fairness Doctrine by liberal law professor Jack Balkin. He doesn’t think it is unconstitutional, but is opposed to it. Interesting reading. Gets into how the old fairness doctrine worked in practice.
Mark1971 on October 22, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Heh. With the Fairness Doctrine, MSNBC will have to close up shop entirely.
Jaibones on October 22, 2008 at 3:37 PM
If we get the Fairness Doctrine, does that mean that Olbermann will be forced to have O’Reilly as his co-host?
Beo on October 22, 2008 at 3:15 PM
No, silly! The Fairness Doctrine shall only apply to talk radio and the internet because tv and newspapers are already fair. /sarc off
Seriously, though, I took Media Law last semester, and my prof was really excited about this. Apparently, newspapers won’t have to comply because of the financial burden of adding extra pages. TV won’t have to comply because the digital system going live in 2009 will make enough tv airwaves for everybody. BUT fairness doctrine WILL apply to radio because of the limited number of stations available, and it will apply to the internet because of the finite nature of domain names.
P.S. Don’t shoot me. I’m just telling you what they are pushing. by the way I’m an A student and this was my first C in law school. And I don’t give a sh*t, either, I got a C because I spoke up in class about what all kinds of BS media law, and prof punished me for it. And I just don’ care.
JustTruth101 on October 22, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Yeah, the guys from Pravda must be laughing their asses off.
Jaibones on October 22, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Wow. Do you really believe that? Obama loses. He gets jilted by his handlers as they move on to the next puppet they hope to groom into a candidate.
AubieJon on October 22, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Don’t forget about rebuilding cities after the tolerant masses burn them down.
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Freedom of speech from a liberal perspective means that you are obligated to listen and in most cases obligated to agree. I can’t tell you how many times I told a liberal that I didn’t agree and been hit with a “freedom of speech” speech and that I was surpressing their right to free speach. Yes, liberals are in fact that dumb.
jmarcure on October 22, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Thinking it over, I don’t see how they can pass a Fairness Doctrine. And if they try, it certainly would expose the democrats for what they are.
Blake on October 22, 2008 at 3:40 PM
When free speech is outlawed, outlaws will have satellite radio, short wave, the internet, carrier pigeon…
How long till the re-education camps start up? Soon after the black helicopters find you I bet…
hmmm, where’s my tin foil.
Keith_Indy on October 22, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Jobs!
AubieJon on October 22, 2008 at 3:42 PM
We must have a ‘Fairness Doctrine’ to protect our First Amendment rights.
And we need stronger ‘Hate Speech” laws to protect our freedom too.
Liberalspeak. Liberal Fascism.
petefrt on October 22, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Then it’s on. In the words of Paris Hilton, “Bring it on, b*tches!” Or something like that.
hawkdriver on October 22, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Has anyone called and told my fair minded senator to pack sand yet?
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Not gonna happen while McCain is in office or while his successor, Sarah Palin, is in office.
ManlyRash on October 22, 2008 at 3:43 PM
In Jeff Bingaman’s world everything having to do with fairness is backwards. Nothing is what it is because everything is what it isn’t. And contrary-wise; what it is, it isn’t, and what it isn’t, it is. You see comrades?
Sigmund on October 22, 2008 at 3:44 PM
This is serious … Pelosi supports this (I don’t know about Reid, but wouldn’t doubt it) … Obama says he won’t bring it back, but would he veto it and piss off his party?
CanadianGuy on October 22, 2008 at 3:44 PM
He’s stated his support as well.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 22, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Yeah, just like the election, right? Nothing to see here, watch the season premier of “American Idol”. People out there that are going to vote for Obama, are that DAMN STUPID, won’t give a damn about this. They probably don’t even know what it is.
Listen to this F’tard on Hannity right now. Vote for Obama…
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 3:45 PM
I just want to know who a black radio station will have to put on the air to counter there Martin Luther King Day programming. A KKK member?
Mark1971 on October 22, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Now I’m really confused. And dizzy. May I lie down on that nice couch?
ManlyRash on October 22, 2008 at 3:46 PM
I got your “Fairness Doctrine” right here.
SoulGlo on October 22, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Democrat politicians are treasonous, worthless, corrupt and incompetent scum.
No use pretending that they aren’t anymore.
NoDonkey on October 22, 2008 at 3:46 PM
I’m listening. She talks as if she’s shooting meth.
ManlyRash on October 22, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Uh uh, when you look at the concessions Sirius Radio had to make to this group in order to get their merger with XM Radio you can see where this is headed.
Sirius had to give up 14 satellite channels to minority programmers. They were forced to do it even though there is no money in it.
Think again, this is not radio only. As a matter of fact Murdoch should be getting his lawyers assembled.
FireBlogger on October 22, 2008 at 3:47 PM
I was born on Jan 15 and we used to have to ask for “That” day off. It was fun to see my boss stumble over WHY I WANTED THE DAY OFF, since I was WHITE. I would just stare at her and ask her, how dare you ask….reverse racism is fun.
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Most of Obambi’s support come from brainwave flatliners who have put no more thought into the selection of a candidate than believing that he’s the One because he’ll bring HOPE and CHANGE. Do you think any of those drooling idiots would oppose the “Fairness” Doctrine? After all, who could possibly be against fairness?
Leftist voters will love it, and most of the mushy middle won’t make a peep.
Cicero43 on October 22, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Rebecca is 30. And talks way, waaaaaay too fast. She has a future in auctioneering.
ManlyRash on October 22, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Watch for the unveiling of the “Fairness Doctrine” somewhere around the time of the start of American Idol…
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 3:49 PM
I am, of course, opposed to the “Fairness Doctrine”, but if it passed, wouldn’t it force MSNBC, NBC, CBS, and ABC to have more conservative hosts and shows? Do they really want to go there?
lionheart on October 22, 2008 at 3:49 PM
WTF? Rebecca, take a breath, pull your head out of your ass, and STFU!
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Adolph Obama will turn and lie about this one 2 seconds after he is elected…his distaste for FOX is already on record and God only knows what he thinks of Hannity & Rush…
I hope they do reinstate it…personally I will ring the FCC off the Fri$#%$ hook every time I watch PBS, ABC, NBC and CBS….they want fairness, then let them get sued a million times on what they already own……
SDarchitect on October 22, 2008 at 3:50 PM
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