Christian Groups Seek To Ban Imposition of Fairness Doctrine On Broadcasters

The Christian Coalition of America has begun an online petition campaign to prevent the FCC under Democratic leadership from again imposing the "Fairness Doctrine" on radio broadcasters. (Press release(Jan. 8)). The group argues that a return of the requirement that equal time be given on the air to opposing views on controversial issues would have the effect of ending conservative talk radio shows such as those of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly. A CBN report yesterday says: "Some Republicans feel that at a time when Christianity has become controversial, a revived Fairness Doctrine could be used to press Christian stations to air anti-Christian views." Three bills have already been introduced in the new Congress to prohibit the FCC from reinstating the fairness requirement: S. 34, S. 62 and H.R. 226.