FCC kills fairness doctrine

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The fairness doctrine in U.S. broadcasting, ensuring discussion of controversial issues did not exclude any point of view, has been axed by federal officials.

Although the Federal Communications Commission voted to strike the rule in 1987, it wasn't implemented until Monday when it struck down more than 80 media industry rules and published them in the Federal Register, Politico.com reported.

The action by the FCC and Chairman Julius Genachowski means the doctrine established long before the Internet and cable and satellite media is effectively off the federal rule sheet.

Broadcasters, program hosts and news and public affairs programs no longer risk losing a station license if they do not present another point of view. Gone, too, is the equal time provision, which mandated opposing views or candidates be given comparable amounts air time.

Genachowski said the elimination of the regulations was aimed at promoting "a healthy climate for private investment and job creation," although he didn't specify how.