[BC] UNfairness Doctrine's chilling effects on B'cast

[WBRadiolists at aol.com]

In a message dated 02/17/2009 1:08:03 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
dlh at donnahalper.com writes:

> Not to worry, Willie-- the Fairness Doctrine did NOT mandate that if 
>  you had a Christian station, it had to include equal time for Jews, 
>  Muslims, and Buddhists!!! 8-)  

Based on a lot of what I have already heard in my 20 year carreer, and now 
what I am reading on the Forum, I would have a *LOT* to fear. If my station 
aired a program that discussed abortion from the perspective that we believe it is 
murder, (which we do) then we would also be forced to allow Planned 
Parenthood or some other agency, "Free" airtime to make their rebuttal... this despite 
the fact that they already have "Air America" stations over which their 
opinions can be freely aired.

Refuse them, and get hauled into court... or just be saddled with massive 
legal bills. Same result: Nothing "controversial" will ever be aired. Play it 
safe: "all pablum, all the time." like it was in the past.

That's a frightening proposition.

It does "cut" both ways, though... an "Air America" sation could then be 
forced to carry conservative views... or get saddled with massive legal bills.

No matter how it's defined, the UNfairness Doctrine is a BAD idea. Period.

Now they want to try to force it on the Internet? For crying out loud, it 
only costs about $100 1-time to get a domain *and* a hosting server, then $50 a 
year after that to maintain it! *Anybody* can set up their own WEBsite to spew 
whatever views they wish! (There are still plenty of *FREE* sites, too!) There 
is no limitation on the Internet, like there is on radio/TV spectrum. The 
1'st Ammendment would and SHOULD apply to the Internet pretty much the same way 
it applies to Print. So far, it does. Anyone can (and does) say and do ANYTHING 
they want online. Even illegal stuff. (Until they get caught.)

Why should Christian sites be FORCED to provide links to Atheists sites? Why 
should Atheists sites be FORCED to provide links to Christian sites? It's just 
wrong!

No! No UNfairness Doctrine! Ever!

Willie...
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