[BC] equal time controversy

[Jerry Mathis]

On Mon, Jun 4, 2012 at 7:35 PM, Donna Halper <dlh at donnahalper.com> wrote:
><snip> Beyond whether you do or do not like
>Democrats (or Republicans, for that matter), does radio still have a
>duty to present both sides of major issues when a small group of
>corporate owners control all the stations?  I always thought radio
>should present guests from both sides, and I come from a city (Boston)
>where even the conservative hosts did in fact invite guests from both
>sides.  <snip>

I think the direct answer to your question is, No. Ever since the Fairness Doctrine was done away with, stations are under no *legal* obligation to present balanced or competing viewpoints. (Just to be sure, I believe the Fairness Doctrine was bad law. The intentions of the law were good, but the implementation of it was a total disaster).

I like to watch shows that at least give some effort to presenting both points of view. I still watch Bill O' Reilly on occasion, and I used to watch Bill Maher until I no longer subscribed to the pay channels. However left-wing you think he is, he always had at least one person on the panel with the opposing viewpoint, and he let the discussions go on and let everyone have their say.

--
Jerry Mathis