We, the undersigned, believe and assert that the set of principles and guidelines collectively known as The Fairness Doctrine, as implemented and practiced by the Federal Communications Commission from 1949 through 1987, must be reinstated. We further believe and assert that said doctrine must be enacted and passed as Federal law.

When, in 1987, The Fairness Doctrine was stricken down, then FCC Director Mark Fowler argued that radio and TV were mere appliances, “not unlike toasters,” and were, therefore, beyond the power of government to regulate. We put the case that it is not the electronic instruments themselves, but access to the content broadcast over them, which is at issue. Freedom of speech over the public airwaves is not freedom of speech if only one side of controversial public issues is fairly represented.