[Emile]

My understanding is no, they can’t, legally. The rationale for their authority to promulgate the “fairness” doctrine is that terrestrial radio and TV are “public” airwaves, licensed by the FCC to broadcasters. Satellite radio and TV create their own bandwidth through use of their own satellites and other equipment, and are thus not strictly subject to government regulation of their bandwidth. That, however, doesn’t mean govt won’t try to find another rationale to regulate satellite, the internet, etc. Watch for them to get creative with that if conservatives continue to “dare” to hang out in these media.

[Glacier Honey]

ping

[manc]

so if that is the case then will the likes of ABC,NBC,CBS,NPR,etc have to report fairly on the news and do coverage fairly of both parties in politics?

If so who would enforce it and decide who is not being biased and who is?

We all know the networks are biased so where does this doctrine stop

[Political Junkie Too]

The rationale for their authority to promulgate the “fairness” doctrine is that terrestrial radio and TV are “public” airwaves, licensed by the FCC to broadcasters. Satellite radio and TV create their own bandwidth through use of their own satellites and other equipment, and are thus not strictly subject to government regulation of their bandwidth.

I believe you're correct regarding cable, because the transmissions are by subscription and across cables owned and laid by the cable companies.

Satellite, however, like broadcast TV and radio, are regulated by the FCC (and international treaty) to frequency bands set aside for that purpose.

People really do need to talk up the fact that a Fairness Doctrine will equally impact NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS. I'd like to see somebody demand equal time on ABC to counter "The View" each day. What would ABC do, make another hour available to men discussing opposing views, or cancel "The View?"

-PJ