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

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

In 1949, the Federal Communications Commission established the fairness doctrine, which interpreted operating in the public interest to require broadcasters to cover major public-policy debates and present multiple points of view.

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

But the very "fairness" doctrine he invoked was undermined by the complicated rules drawn up by the ethics committee, under which the names of many habitual check abusers would have remained secret.

From Time Magazine Archive