House members today moved forward on a discharge petition that would force a vote on the Broadcast Freedom Act. The act would statutorily prohibit a return of the "Fairness Doctrine."
The doctrine, which the FCC abandoned in 1985, required broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial political issues. FCC regulators called for broadcasters to ‘make reasonable judgments in good faith’ on how to present multiple viewpoints on controversial issues."
Previously Rep. Mike Pence and Rep. Greg Walden urged consideration of the act in a letter saying, "While we may not always agree with those who are on the airwaves, as members of Congress and freedom-loving Americans, we should never back down from an opportunity to defend their rights or speak their piece."
