Bob and the Fairness Doctrine

For some time, Bob has been talking about how "the Democrats" are going to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine.

For those of you not familiar with the term, the Fairness Doctrine was an attempt by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to "ensure that all coverage of controversial issues by a broadcast station be balanced and fair." As radio and television stations are using the public airwaves, the FCC reasoned that they had the "obligation to afford reasonable opportunity for discussion of contrasting points of view." The Doctrine was eliminated by the FCC in the 80s.

I guess Bob is worried that if the Fairness Doctrine be reimposed, he would be out of a job, as his extreme right-wing bias will no longer be tolerated by the government. Now, Bob isn't alone in his ranting and raving about the Fairness Doctrine; most of the far right wing on the Republican Party is in on the act.

But here's what Bob isn't telling you about the Fairness Doctrine: Nobody is calling for its reinstatement! Marin Cogan of The New Republic went out looking for proponents of the Doctrine:

I looked at Obama's position--and it turns out that he doesn't want the policy reinstated. Then I called the array of Democratic congressmen who had been tagged by conservatives as doctrine proponents. But they all denied any intention to push for its reinstatement.

Steve Benen has also been providing excellent coverage of this issue.

So, why is Bob always talking up this upcoming "doomsday" scenario? My guess is it helps feed the persecution complex that Bob likes to spread among his listeners. Nothing keeps right wing anger alive better than the idea that the government is coming to get your Bible, your guns, and, of course, force Bob Dutko off the air.

Now, nothing would please me more than having Bob retired from radio and moved into a position more suitable for his talents. (Used car sales sounds about right.) However, the Fairness Doctrine simply will not be his undoing. Furthermore, it is important to note that even if the Doctrine were to be reinstated, Crawford Broadcasting wouldn't have to fire Dutko. They'd simply have to balance his content.

I for one, would welcome a daily four hours of "The Irl Hudnutt Show."