| Updated Feb 19, 2009 3:13 PM ET |
By Mike Stern
The potential return of the Fairness Doctrine that would require stations to present both sides of issues continues to generate discussion on numerous talk shows.
Talk Radio Network syndicated host Michael Savage locked horns on the issue with California attorney general Jerry Brown, who said the current situation of having talk radio dominated by conservatives allows for "one-sided presentations." Brown called for "a robust range of opinions on the air," and also said "a little state control wouldn't hurt anybody." When Savage said the doctrine was being considered to silence conservative voices like his and other hosts, Brown said Savage was "paranoid."
At Bonneville talk KTAR-FM/Phoenix, afternoon hosts Mac and Gaydos asked former President Jimmy Carter for his take on the regulation. Carter, unlike fellow democrat Bill Clinton, says he is against the idea: "When I was president was when we deregulated radio and television so no, I have not been in favor of perpetuating the Fairness Doctrine since I've been in politics."
Talking to CNN Radio's Dick Uliano, Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-New York) said, "I think the Fairness Doctrine should be reinstated. The idea of fairness in the media is very important. We should have a fair and open system." He says his focus is on "making it more diverse and having more information out there so people can make their own decisions." He told Uliano that he has no legislation he plans to put forth on the issue at this point.
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