The FCC has the power to institute a "Fairness Doctrine" (as wrong as it may be) because it has the power to regulate the airwaves on behalf of the public. It is this power that also allows it to fine people for saying the f-bomb on the public airwaves or showing Janet Jackson's nipple. Radio and TV stations do not have a right to broadcast, they have a license to broadcast. That license requires them to adhere to applicable laws.
The autocratic power of the FCC has been a problem for years, and it will continue to be a problem as long as we only complain about it when it works against us. Hopefully, the opposition to a reinstatement of the "Fairness Doctrine" will prevail, but next time the FCC goes ballistic over a curse word or sexually-suggestive morning radio show, conservatives will rally around their anti-free-speech powers, and the problem will continue.
Do you realize you just gave Chucky Shummer’s argument for why we need to regulate political speech on the airwaves?
Political speech is just like pornography. They both need to be regulated. If you don’t want the F-word you have to submit to the Fairness Doctrine. Makes absolutely no sense. And the last several decades without the FD attest to that.