Oh! No! The Democrats might restore the Fairness Doctrine

The rats who now control over 90% of the main stream media are freaking out at the idea of returning to the Fairness Doctrine , which has been held in check for years by Vetoes from both Ronnie Raygun and Poppa Bu$h. The Fairness Doctrine was a policy of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that required the holders of broadcast licenses both to present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was (in the Commission's view) honest, equitable, and balanced. Faux News, who's motto is, "cough cough* fair and balanced' has a few things to say about this outrageous possibility.

And needless to menton, so does Clear Channel who owns over 1,100 full-power AM, FM, and shortwave radio stations, twelve radio channels on XM Satellite Radio, and more than 30 television stations in the United States. Premiere Radio Networks, which is the largest syndication company in the United States, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Channel and is home to Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and many others. Sean Hannity recently signed a large multi-market contract with Clear Channel, as well.

In early 2004, Air America Radio Network was launched and was then the only all-progressive talk radio network. A predecessor, the UAW's I.E. America Radio Network, which was home to hosts such as Thom Hartmann, Peter Werbe, and Mike Malloy, never gained national attention. Its last day on the air was February 27, 2004, only weeks before Air America took to the airwaves. Al Franken's show was the centerpiece of the network, and would remain so for a little less than 3 years. The show featured Franken's low key humor, political commentary, and guest and audience participation. AAR became the fastest growing network in modern radio history as Sinton was able to assemble a national network of 100 stations, including 18 of the top twenty markets, in just six months.