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

See Examples For:

fairness doctrine

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

From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2023

Mr. Hiatt also brought up the fairness doctrine.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 14, 2021

The F.C.C. repealed the fairness doctrine, which had required broadcasters to include multiple points of view, in 1987.

From New York Times ● Oct. 13, 2020

For decades, the Federal Communications Commission attempted to insure balanced news coverage with its fairness doctrine, which compelled broadcasters to present “discussion of conflicting views of public importance.”

From The New Yorker ● Aug. 10, 2015

Andrew Schwartzman, executive director of the Washington-based Media Access Project, points out that the fairness doctrine does not require "equal time," only that "reasonable" coverage be given to different views.

From Time Magazine Archive