Replies

Here is the reply to my letter about the fairness doctrine to Earl Blumenauer (D) 3rd Congressional District in Oregon..

He represents the most populated area in the state around Portland. I never mentioned the broadcaster Freedom Act.. but he replied assuming I was. He is also a big whig on the Public Broadcasting System board.

I oppose the Fairness Doctrine and have been writing my Representatives hard on it for months. _____________________________________________________
Dear "kitanis"

Thank you for writing me regarding H.R. 2905, the “Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2007.” As chair of the Public Broadcasting Caucus in Congress, I share your concerns about the independence of broadcasters.

The “Fairness Doctrine” was a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule directing broadcasters to simply provide a reasonable opportunity for the presentation of opposing view points. The Doctrine was repealed in the mid-1980s after a controversial court decision. H.R. 2905 prevents the future reinstatement of this Doctrine without an act of Congress.

I believe that broadcasters and journalists, as opinion leaders with significant influence, have a responsibility to the public that includes coverage of a topic from multiple points of view. While I have concerns about the potential heavy-handedness of the Fairness Doctrine, I do not believe that the answer is to shut down debate on this issue by passing H.R. 2905.

I will continue to monitor this issue closely, as it affects us all. Thank you for contacting me with your concerns.

Sincerely, Earl Blumenauer Member of Congress