"Fowler began rolling the application of the doctrine back during Reagan’s second term - despite complaints from some in the Administration that it was all that kept broadcast journalists from thoroughly lambasting Reagan’s policies on air. In 1987, the FCC panel, under new chairman Dennis Patrick, repealed the Fairness Doctrine altogether with a 4-0 vote
The FCC vote was opposed by members of Congress who said the FCC had tried to “flout the will of Congress” and the decision was “wrongheaded, misguided and illogical.” The decision drew political fire and tangling, where cooperation with Congress was at issue. In June 1987, Congress attempted to preempt the FCC decision and codify the Fairness Doctrine, (Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 S. 742).
The bill passed but the legislation was vetoed by President Ronald Reagan. Congress was unable to muster enough votes to overturn the President’s veto."
The equal-time rule should not be confused with the now-defunct FCC fairness doctrine, which dealt with presenting balanced points of view on matters of public importance.
To clarify, Reagan and his appointees killed the Fairness Doctrine, which was an FCC policy that required broadcasters to provide equal coverage of political issues. The Equal Time Rule, on the other hand, only stipulates that broadcasters can’t deny equal access to some candidates that it gives to others, with the notable caveat that it doesn’t need to offer equal access to all candidates - they only need to provide it if asked. That rule (ETR) is still in effect, but it only means NBC needs to allow Trump equivalent time if he asks for it. So this trump-appointed FCC stooge is mischaracterizing his own agencies policy to cry “corruption”. What a pos.
Reagan killed the equal time rule in 1985. Surprised they don’t know this.
https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/topic-guide/fairness-doctrine
"Fowler began rolling the application of the doctrine back during Reagan’s second term - despite complaints from some in the Administration that it was all that kept broadcast journalists from thoroughly lambasting Reagan’s policies on air. In 1987, the FCC panel, under new chairman Dennis Patrick, repealed the Fairness Doctrine altogether with a 4-0 vote
The FCC vote was opposed by members of Congress who said the FCC had tried to “flout the will of Congress” and the decision was “wrongheaded, misguided and illogical.” The decision drew political fire and tangling, where cooperation with Congress was at issue. In June 1987, Congress attempted to preempt the FCC decision and codify the Fairness Doctrine, (Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 S. 742).
The bill passed but the legislation was vetoed by President Ronald Reagan. Congress was unable to muster enough votes to overturn the President’s veto."
The fairness doctrine is not the same as the equal time rule. Equal time rule still exists.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-time_rule
To clarify, Reagan and his appointees killed the Fairness Doctrine, which was an FCC policy that required broadcasters to provide equal coverage of political issues. The Equal Time Rule, on the other hand, only stipulates that broadcasters can’t deny equal access to some candidates that it gives to others, with the notable caveat that it doesn’t need to offer equal access to all candidates - they only need to provide it if asked. That rule (ETR) is still in effect, but it only means NBC needs to allow Trump equivalent time if he asks for it. So this trump-appointed FCC stooge is mischaracterizing his own agencies policy to cry “corruption”. What a pos.