Why the Fairness Doctrine is a bad idea

As discussed in this blog below, the main stream media (MSM) is widely represented and largely liberal in political bias. Despite that, they've targeted talk radio for their "Fairness Doctrine" legislation because most successful talk radio shows have a conservative political bias. As noted here, such legislation, if applied fairly, would also decimate some popular liberal talk radio, such those heard on NPR.

Pajamas Media: The Talk-O-Sphere: Why the Empire is Striking Back with the Fairness Doctrine:
"Two other key members of the media establishment—National Public Radio and Manhattan-based book publishers—are on the fence when it comes to talk radio.

While NPR doesn’t have a “Rush Room” in its sprawling Massachusetts Avenue headquarters and its executives probably don’t drive home listening to Mark Levin or Michael Savage, the network knows that bringing back the so-called “Fairness Doctrine” will not be good for “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” let alone some of its liberal lions like talk show host Diane Rehm. Would NPR really want to air a “responsible opposing view” for every stray comment on its airwaves?

NPR, by the way, is proof that the old saying that “liberals can’t make it on talk radio” is dead wrong. It is just that liberal radio audience already tunes it to NPR; they don’t need another network.
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For what it’s worth, Air America, the ultimate attempt at lefty talk radio, is against the ‘fairness doctrine.’ Air America Radio personality Thom Hartmann writes in “CTA Aircheck,” an industry publication:

“The “progressive has failed” frame is simply wrong. In just three short years, our format has gone from a small handful of progressive stations to 10% of the talk radio content of this country. If I’d started a soda pop business in my garage and in three years had taken 10% of Coca Cola’s market, my picture would be on the cover of Forbes! Nobody thinks of Apple as a failure, but they only have 4.8% of the U.S. computer market, and that’s taken them 20 years! What if a new music format had taken 10% of the radio market in just three years? Everybody would be talking about it . . ."

Why in 2007 are we talking about limiting freedom of speech? If you don't like what you're hearing, change the channel, hit the power button, or go surf the Internet.

If you don't like what other people are hearing, then you might consider moving to a country where freedom isn't a priority - there are many choices available.