Legal Definitions - fairness doctrine

The fairness doctrine was a former rule established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. It required licensed television and radio broadcasters to present both sides of controversial issues of public importance in a balanced and fair manner. The goal was to ensure that the public received diverse viewpoints on significant matters discussed over the airwaves.

This doctrine was in effect from 1949 until it was abandoned by the FCC in 1987. While it was active, broadcasters had an obligation not just to cover public issues, but also to provide a reasonable opportunity for the discussion of opposing views.

Here are some examples illustrating how the fairness doctrine would have applied:

• Local Zoning Debate: Imagine a local television news station covering a contentious proposal to build a new industrial park on the outskirts of town. The proposal is a significant public issue, as it could bring jobs but also increase traffic and impact local ecosystems. Under the fairness doctrine, if the station aired an interview with the developers highlighting the economic benefits, it would also be obligated to provide airtime for local residents or environmental groups who oppose the project, discussing concerns about noise pollution, increased traffic, or habitat destruction. This ensures viewers receive a comprehensive understanding of the debate.

• National Healthcare Reform: Consider a national radio talk show discussing a proposed federal healthcare reform bill. If the host and their guests primarily focused on the potential benefits of the bill, praising its provisions and downplaying any drawbacks, the fairness doctrine would have required the station to also present opposing viewpoints. This might involve inviting guests who could articulate concerns about the bill's cost, its impact on specific populations, or alternative approaches to healthcare reform, thereby offering listeners a more balanced perspective on the complex issue.

• Environmental Policy Documentary: Suppose a major television network produced a documentary series exploring the impact of climate change and advocating for specific government policies to reduce carbon emissions. While the series might present scientific consensus and expert opinions supporting its stance, the fairness doctrine would have compelled the network to also include segments or interviews with individuals or groups who held different views on the proposed policies, perhaps questioning their effectiveness, economic feasibility, or suggesting alternative solutions. This would ensure that the public was exposed to a range of perspectives on the environmental policy debate.