Call to reinstate fairness doctrine after Arizona shooting not likely to result in action

The fairness doctrine’s roots go back to 1949. Its purpose was two-fold: to require broadcasters to devote airtime to news that is in the public interest, and to give equal time to contrasting views. But after decades of court challenges, including some that made it to the Supreme Court, Reagan-appointed FCC Chairman Mark Fowler began rolling back the rules. Later, it was repealed by President Reagan in 1987 through an executive order.

“The fairness doctrine isn’t going to stop mentally deranged people from doing deranged things,” noted Thierer. “The only thing it will stop is the free flow of vibrant speech; it won’t stop violent, despicable acts by psychopaths.”

Thierer also added that while the doctrine was in place, the country still saw several assassination attempts on political leaders like John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King.