First Amendment Commons^™

The Fairness Doctrine: Fair To Whom, Loretta T. Menkes

Cleveland State Law Review

This Note contends that the fairness doctrine, as presently applied, fails to meet its legislative purpose and violates constitutionally protected rights. This Note will examine the standards and policies established by the FCC as judicially approved in Red Lion Broadcasting, Inc. v. FCC and American Sec. Council Educ. Foundation v. FCC. Practical application of these standards and policies will be explored in three categories: 1) controversial issue programming; 2) commercial advertisements; and 3) political messages. Finally, a solution to the arbitrary and discriminatory application of this amorphous doctrine will be suggested.