On August 4th, 1987 the Federal Communications Commission
unanimously voted to repeal the fairness doctrine, its policy
requiring broadcasters to air all sides of a controversial issue.
Despite its lofty name, the fairness doctrine was abolished over
concerns that it had a chilling effect on free speech. 

“It does sound great,” says George Mason University’s Thomas Hazlett, “but the
fact is there is a frontal conflict between the first
amendment…and the government considering whether or not the
fairness of a particular report passes muster.” 

Hazlett sat down with ReasonTV’s Nick Gillespie to discuss the
fairness doctrine, its repeal, and why we are unlikely to see it
instituted again. 

About 9 minutes. Interview by Nick Gillespie. Shot by Joshua
Swain and Meredith Bragg. Edited by Bragg.

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