On August 4th, 1987 the Federal Communications Commission unanimously voted to repeal the fairness doctrine, its policy requiring broadcasters to air all sides of a controversial issue. Despite its lofty name, the fairness doctrine was abolished over concerns that it had a chilling effect on free speech.
"It does sound great," says George Mason University's Thomas Hazlett, "but the fact is there is a frontal conflict between the first amendment...and the government considering whether or not the fairness of a particular report passes muster."
Hazlett sat down with ReasonTV's Nick Gillespie to discuss the fairness doctrine, its repeal, and why we are unlikely to see it instituted again.
About 9 minutes. Interview by Nick Gillespie. Shot by Joshua Swain and Meredith Bragg. Edited by Bragg.
Go to
http://www.reason.tv for downloadable versions and subscribe to ReasonTV's YouTube Channel to receive notifications when new material goes live.
UploadUpload DirectHotlinkRandomAbout
6:46
1:19
33:05
0:56
9:59
3:21
1:49
4:31
5:57
31:53
5:45
1:00:35
1:57:14
4:09
3:01
1:55
8:04
17:34
8:41
0:53
9:07
10:16
18:06
points