Republican Joe Barton Begins his Fight Against Michael Copps and the FCC

Michael Copps has big plans for broadcasters around the United States. He will used his pulpit in the federal government to push what he believes in values in broadcasting. These aren't the values most of us consider values like less cussing. These are politically motivated values that attack the First Amendment at its core.

Copps introduced plans last week to have radio and television stations pass a "public values test" every four years to receive their licenses. The test is based on a government format of what the FCC believes to be values and robs the free market from working in broadcasting. In other words, it's the Fairness Doctrine on steroids designed to control content and limit talk that doesn't comply with the direction of the current administration.

Republican Representative Joe Barton is ready to fight the FCC. He has written a letter to Copps asking if this is his way to revive the Fairness Doctrine. Barton writes:

"I hope … that you do not mean to suggest that it is the job of the federal government, through the [FCC], to determine the content that is available for Americans to consume.”