Return of the Fairness Doctrine?

Judicial Watch is reporting the the Fairness Doctrine might be coming back in the form of “localism.”  This “doctrine” would be designed to squelch conservative talk radio.

WASHINGTON, DC — 05/07/09 — Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it has obtained documents from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning the “Fairness Doctrine,” a policy abolished in 1987, and other governmental means to limit free speech in the media. Judicial Watch obtained the documents in response to a December 2008 Freedom of Information Act request.

While President Obama is on record opposing the return of the Fairness Doctrine, which is viewed by many as an attempt to squelch the free speech of conservatives in the media, these documents show that the FCC is considering alternative proposals that may also regulate free speech in the media under the professed goal of “diversity.”

For example, in December 2007, the FCC proposed new “localism” measures to force broadcast stations to offer programming more “responsive to the needs and interests of the communities that they are licensed to serve.” These proposed measures, highlighted in a document entitled, “The Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Approved Rulemaking,” included a requirement that broadcasters, “provide 3 hours per week of locally-produced program,” and that licensees establish “permanent advisory boards (including representatives of underserved community segments).” The FCC noted that these measures would become part of the application renewal process to make sure broadcasters “meet their responsibilities.”