fairness doctrine

American  

[fair-nis] / ˈfɛər nɪs /

noun

1. a policy mandated by the Federal Communications Commission, requiring radio and television stations to grant equal time to a political candidate, group, etc., to present an opposing viewpoint to one already aired.

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Etymology

Origin of fairness doctrine

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

In 1949 the commission began enforcing a rule known as the Fairness Doctrine, which required stations to present differing viewpoints on controversial issues.

From BBC

Here in Washington state, even local planning commissioners are subject to the “Appearance of Fairness” doctrine — meaning that their decisions must be fair in fact and in appearance.

From Seattle Times

For decades, however, America had the FCC's "fairness doctrine."

From Salon

They were seeking a wide, mass audience but were also influenced by their own professional standards and the government-imposed Fairness Doctrine requiring balanced coverage of controversial issues.

From Salon

When the Federal Communications Commission introduced the Fairness Doctrine in 1949, radio and television broadcasters were required to present controversial ideas in a manner that reflected multiple perspectives.

From Salon