GOP seeks to counter ABC healthcare programming

The special in question is here. When I read this I had a niggling memory of a law that we used to have? Something about opposing viewpoints on the public airwaves? Can't seem to remember what that was about...

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Republican National Committee is urging GOP members of Congress to take to the local airwaves next week to discuss their approach to healthcare reform in an effort to counter an ABC News primetime special featuring President Obama speaking on the issue.

The RNC is informing GOP congressional offices this morning that it will pay for and help schedule the interviews with local television reporters in their states and districts.

The RNC tells the Republican lawmakers it is taking this step because they said their request to be included in the special “was denied.”

Yeah, ABC was totally fair and balanced with that masterpiece of cinema, The Path To 9/11. Uh huh.

Mything in action: Senate bars FCC from revisiting Fairness Doctrine

By GottaLaff

The Fairness Doctrine isn't what most think it is, but still... way to give more credibility to Rush and Sean, guys:

The Senate has barred federal regulators from reviving a policy, abandoned two decades ago, that required balanced coverage of issues on public airwaves.

The Senate vote on the so-called Fairness Doctrine was in part a response to conservative radio talk show hosts who feared that Democrats would try to revive the policy to ensure liberal opinions got equal time.

That librul media is so gosh-darned threatening. They're practically taking over the world.

VIDEO: David Axelrod Punts on Fairness Doctrine

By GottaLaff

David Axelrod is on Meet the Press, and David Gregory is trying to do the impossible: Live up to the reputation of the show. Not gonna happen, David, not with you at the helm.

Meantime, on Fox News Sunday, Axelrod leaves the question the Fairness Doctrine open, saying it will be decided by the FCC and the president. That should perpetuate the Republican frenzy already in progress:

In June, press secretary Michael Ortiz told Broadcasting & Cable that "Sen. Obama does not support reimposing the Fairness Doctrine on broadcasters."

That's clear enough. But since becoming president, it's been difficult to get such a definitive statement.

Senator Tom Harkin Stokes The "Fairness Doctrine" Fire

Oh so sweet. Here's a sample of one of the 78 comments over at Politico-

FAIRNESS..... there is NOTHING fair about the FAIRNESS DOCTRIN.... you want FAIR Senator... why do you Democrats want more the 50% of the seats in Congress? i'll tell you why; because you want to rule the entire process, that's why..... you people have become sick with power, you are now vile, vulgar, and viscious people without concern for the average American....

Love it!! You guys get all frothy over your strawmen while we try and fix the damn mess you left this country in. Shiny, shiny...

Let loose the Fairness Doctrine Dogs!!

Sweet. I'll be huddling over memeorandum to monitor the teeth gnashing and deity wailing sure to commence immediately!!! BTW, I don't see how it could really happen, but then I'll still enjoy the show.

This morning, radio host Bill Press brought up the recent closing of liberal station Obama 1260 when speaking with Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and talked about whether there needs to be a balance to right-wing talk on the radio dial.

BILL PRESS: Yeah, I mean, look: They have a right to say that. They’ve got a right to express that. But, they should not be the only voices heard. So, is it time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine?

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I think it’s absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it’s called the Fairness Standard, whether it’s called something else — I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.