Fairness Doctrine II: The American Police State Extends into Broadcasting

The First Amendment is a peculiar thing the federal government obviously no longer understands. Like it or not, it protects all speech, including that which is printed or spoken by the press. FCC Commissioner Michael Copps believes there should be values to what is broadcast. In other words, the federal government is getting ready to crack down on speech it doesn't agree with or doesn't meet its needs as it grows into an oppressive police state.



Copps recommends that for a broadcasting license to be renewed, the station must undergo a values test to prove they have meaningful commitment to public affairs and news programming (as determined by the government). You see, that's one of the inconvenient truths for the government with the First Amendment. There is nothing that says the press has to provide meaningful content, and many times it doesn't.

His proposal also includes reporting to the government what the stations air, reporting their political affiliations, and ensure that 25 percent of their programming covers local content. In other words, the freedom of the press many stations enjoy will be regulated and regulations kill freedom.