Currently, there are fairly generic terms to describe balanced news coverage, such as “both sides of the story,” which represent journalistic ideals, not legal requirements. But with Democratic proponents of the so-called “Fairness Doctrine” now empowered in a new Congress, opponents of forced balance are speaking out against possible legislation.
Repealed by the FCC in 1987, the legislation required broadcasters – who use government-owned airwaves to transmit their content – to provide equal representation for both sides of a political ...