In a stunning on-air admission of his desire to re-regulate radio and infringe on free speech, Obama supporter and New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D) argued recently that the so-called Fairness Doctrine -- which would mandate equal time for opposing viewpoints on radio programming -- would elevate talk radio to a "higher calling." Bingaman lamented that radio without the "Fairness Doctrine" has become less "intelligent."
Radio Equalizer's Brian Maloney has more here. You can hear the audio by clicking the EyeBlast embed at the right.
A transcript appears below the page break, courtesy of NewsBuster and MRC Director of Communications Seton Motley (emphases mine):
Story Continues Below Ad ↓JIM VILLANUCCI, KOB radio host: Talk radio listeners are concerned about the Fairness Doctrine. Do you think there will be a push to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine?
Sen. JEFF BINGAMAN (D-N.M.): I don’t know, I certainly hope so. My own view is—
VILLANUCCI: You support it?
BINGAMAN: I do.
VILLANUCCI: You would want this radio station to have to change?
BINGAMAN: I would. I would want this station and all stations to have to present a balanced perspective and different points of view instead of hammering on one side of the political—
VILLANUCCI: In this market for instance you have KKOB. If you want liberal talk you have Air America in this market in this market. You’ve got NPR. If you have satellite radio there’s a lefty talk station and a righty talk station. Do you think there are people who aren’t able to find a viewpoint that is in sync with what they believe.
BINGAMAN: Well, I guess my thought is that radio and media generally should have a higher calling than just to reflect a particular point of view. I think they should use their authority and their broadcast power to present an informed discussion of public issues. KKOB used to live under the Fairness Doctrine—
VILLANUCCI: Yeah, we played music.
BINGAMAN: There was a lot of talk also, at least it seemed to me. And there were a lot of talk stations that seemed to do fine. The airwaves are owned by private companies at this point, there is a license to given to private companies to operate broadcast stations and that’s the way it should be. All I’m saying is for many, many years were operated under a Fairness Doctrine in this country. I think the country was well-served. I think the public discussion was at a higher level and more intelligent in those days that it has become since.
—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Unconstitutional
October 23, 2008 - 10:00 ET by ArcherBI checked. The Bill or Rights does not mention intelligence when granting freedom of speech or the freedom of the press.
"To send men to the firing squad, judicial proof is unnecessary."
--Ernesto "Che" Guevara
...or electing Senators,
October 23, 2008 - 10:08 ET by HockeyKid...or electing Senators, clearly.
Somebody should ask Bingaman if he thinks Rush, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Laura Ingraham, Glenn Beck, Monica Crowley, Tammy Bruce, etc., should be given equal time on Air America, NPR, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, NYT, WaPo, LAT, etc. I mean, fair's fair, don't you think?
Which is the point, Kommisar Bingaman: who decides when "fairness" has been violated? That's right: the government. That means it's unconstitutional. Direct violation of the First Amendment. Go directly to jail; do not pass GO; do not collect your war chest.
But...
October 23, 2008 - 10:16 ET by retroconIt doesn't say "separation of church and state," either. But some lib justices put that into "law."
The "Fairness" Doctrine
October 23, 2008 - 10:09 ET by iveseenitallNothing is "fair" about the Fairness Doctrine. But this "suggestion" by a Democrat is only the tip of the iceberg. The Bill of Rights will be under attack if, God forbid, Barry gets elected. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press are all in jeopardy. Our entire Constitution and our national sovereignty are in jeopardy. We are on the brink of losing America as we've known it. Mark my words.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
dittos
October 23, 2008 - 10:11 ET by 10ksnookerParty over country, it's what Democrats have been about all along. And a socialist party at that.
Democrats always think
October 23, 2008 - 10:04 ET by kgDemocrats always think their opinions and partisanship is a higher calling
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
New Mexico Sen. Jeff
October 23, 2008 - 10:09 ET by R D HelmNew Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman must be vying for a new cabinet position the messiah will no doubt be creating upon taking office:
The Propaganda Ministry. :-O
No, they won't call it that, but the effect will be similar.
And don't think it isn't coming, should the manufactured fraud that is Barack Hussein Obama manage to get elected. This hideous man has no respect or love for freedom.
-Dave
In order for wealth to be spread, it first must be seized.
Propoganda Minister?
October 23, 2008 - 10:14 ET by retroconWouldn't that be Obama's "Chairman of the FCC?"
retrocon,
October 23, 2008 - 10:17 ET by R D HelmLOL-Yeah, but that doesn't sound quite sinister enough for me.
I needed something scary.
-Dave
In order for wealth to be spread, it first must be seized.
^^ Dave!!!!
October 23, 2008 - 10:35 ET by TheSterIs it me or does this remind you of that cartoon...
"Pinkey and The Brain"
Two incompetent Boobs trying to take over the World...yet screw up every week. Next week...they try all over again!!
Ster.
Love it
October 23, 2008 - 10:50 ET by NorthCoasterI catch the cartoon every now and then when my son has it on. They can't do anything right, what a hoot.
Narf, what are we going to
October 24, 2008 - 03:23 ET by Dan The Man 2Narf, what are we going to do today Brain? Waht we do everyday Pinky; try to take over the world. Pinky, Pinky Pinky and the Brain ... Brain ... Brain. Loved the cartoon as it was similar as Rocky and Bullwinkle in that the jokes went over on many levels.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
How about...
October 23, 2008 - 10:40 ET by retroconBureau of Homeland Communications?
Federal Bureau of Communications?
Federal Information Directorate?
or maybe just...
"Presidential Truth Squad" an Armored Division of the FCC.
I believe
October 23, 2008 - 11:47 ET by IamTinmanI believe like in Orwells book "1984" newspeak, it should be called the "Ministry of Truth"
RD
October 23, 2008 - 10:32 ET by iveseenitallRight, RD. Obama is a "hideous" man. Where can one begin with this? The left is spending a billion dollars to perpetrate the biggest hoax in American history. A truly unqualified manchild, with no real love for this nation, who may even be a danger to us all, is on the brink of being elected POTUS. America has been asleep for decades. It has resulted in hostily. We are being torn apart because the left lost an election in 2000. I always wondered why the Europeans would riot after a soccer game. I never understood that mentality until I saw it with the "liberals" these last 8 years. Now it's here and we are the worst for it. Sad.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Well...
October 23, 2008 - 10:12 ET by retroconof course they only want to apply it to radio, where conservative talk prevails.
I say, subject all public airwaves and frequencies to it.
No more CBS Evening Snews. No more The View. No more NBC. No more 30rock. No more awards shows. No more rap music. wow, this is sounding good.
Or, Rush and Hannity and Savage would all get prime time evening talk shows to balance the evening news. Just gets better and better!
BINGAMAN...
October 23, 2008 - 10:14 ET by MightyMouth...is telegraphing one of the goals of the unhinged left: stomp the first amendment into the ground! God help us if the entire gooberment becomes left! Talk about no "checks and balances" that would pretty much do it. This goes against what the founders had in mind IMHO.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Fair questions for Obama
October 23, 2008 - 10:17 ET by Anchor89Here are some questions for Barak Obama:
Do you support the Fairness Doctrine? As a Havard-educated lawyer, do you think it violates the first amendment? If you do support the Fairness Doctrine, would the following be considered left or right of center:
1) Reading the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence on the air.
2) Reading the Bible on the air. Would it make a difference if Reverend Wright is doing the reading?
3) Reading the speeches of President John F. Kennedy on the air.
4) Reading anything written by Bill Ayers on the air.
5) Reading the speeches of the President of Iran on the air.
If any of these are left or right of center, what is the appropriate balance that the Fairness Doctrine should mandate?
Your opinion doesn't count, Jeff.
October 23, 2008 - 10:18 ET by Mike BrattonYou have no experience in broadcasting, no background that would give you an informed, worthwhile opinion.
You are a party-first, abortion-advocating, AGW-deceived, marriage-busting, liberal political hack, Jeff, so forgive us for not buying your baloney about "the public discussion."
You and yours do not have the best interest of the country at heart, and a number of us, frankly, have run out of patience with you folks' collective superiority complex.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
Well, there your have it.
October 23, 2008 - 10:34 ET by fitzfongWell, there your have it. Jeff Bingaman (D-Stalingrad) believes he's in a better position to tell Americans what they can and cannot listen to than we Americans are. He's just smarter than all Americans and is going to give us this punishment for "our own good". And he's prepared to enforce his ignorant and arrogant viewpoint on Americans with the aid of steel-toed jackboots. I tell you what, the Marxist thugs are getting cocky. Time to push back.
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan
fitzfong.blogspot.com
Another stupid, arrogant Democrat
October 23, 2008 - 11:49 ET by Mary Louise TurnerMr. Bingaman is yet another stupid, arrogant Democrat who wants to silence anyone who dares oppose his party's agenda with the odious "Fairness Doctrine". Be afraid, people - be very afraid!
I have an idea,
October 23, 2008 - 10:47 ET by NorthCoasterApply the "Fairness Doctrine" to PBS and the C-SPAN channels. The American public pays for at least part of PBS and all of C-SPAN.
Leave everyone else alone because the marketplace regulates which stations succed or fail. If advertizers receive little or no value from the listeners and Neilson ratings are low, the owners have a right to present any program that makes them money.
If the "Fairness Doctrine" is put back into effect, will the government bail out failing broadcast stations and networks like they have bailed out the banks? It would only be "fair" if the government imposed rules caused them to fail.
Fairness Doctrine? You first, Senator.
October 23, 2008 - 11:16 ET by KC MulvilleTake all of Bingaman's lofty goals, and apply them to Congress. Let's imagine what Congress would be like if they applied the same lofty descriptions to themselves, especially since the Constitution designed Congress, and specifically the Senate, to host balanced debate for the sake of the country. What would Congress look like if it was forced to:
... present a balanced perspective and different points of view instead of hammering on one side of the political …
... should have a higher calling than just to reflect a particular point of view. I think they should use their authority and their broadcast power to present an informed discussion of public issues.
Buwahahahahaha! ... I'll call for the Fairness Doctrine to apply to radio, but only after it applies to Congress. After you, senator ...
I am sure CBS, NBC/MSNBC,
October 23, 2008 - 11:03 ET by buddycI am sure CBS, NBC/MSNBC, ABC and CNN all have a higher calling also. Let us give them a chance to reach that higher calling by imposing the "fairness doctrine" on them!
The freedoms we have since day one may be waining
October 23, 2008 - 11:03 ET by JIMMY1660allow me to love America
you folks in New Mexico need to look hard at this anti-american next time he is up for election.
Hitler had his electorate listening to one radio satation, is that what you want.
i like moving the dial up and down, and not all talk shows are my cup of tea.
I live outside
October 23, 2008 - 11:30 ET by Chris NormanI live outside Albuquerque; since this infamous interview, KKOB has been running commercials urging their listeners to support them against any attempts by Bingaman to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine. Apparently, they don’t want to go back to those “glory days” of broadcast political discourse Bingaman “remembers”.
McNotObama '08
Always the big question,
October 23, 2008 - 11:42 ET by IamTinmanAlways the big question, Who gets to decide what's fair! A democratic judge?, a republican one? The founding fathers determined that the people could decide, and the system has worked well.
There are hundreds of channels of satellite, NPR, Air America and other stations available to spread the liberal message if anyone wants to listen. The conservative stations succeed because they accurately represent the views of their listeners, otherwise they would be sharing the same fate as Air America.
Commercial radio and TV are "for profit" media. If the listeners wanted the fairness doctrine or liberal talk, the stations would switch in a heartbeat. There is virtually no area in the U.S. that isn't served by more than one radio station, newspaper, or TV network. Add satellite broadcasts and the Internet and there is more than enough variety of opinion.
Senator Bingaman, like me, grew up in an age of limited communications media, but those times went by long ago and he should take a step into the 21st century.
If Bingaman and whoever want a "Higher level of discussion" I would suggest they talk to themselves since they would likely be the only ones to appreciate the discussion!
Ken, I am so glad you have
October 23, 2008 - 11:48 ET by bigtimerKen, I am so glad you have this on here, I have a link I saved from last night after I heard good old Bingaman say all of this yesterday....so typical of him too, I despise the man and the way he votes....I hope people vote a basic straight ticket..we are in big trouble if we don't...the Senate will have enough RINOs to vote with their side without the 60 votes needed, Collins and Snow are two examples....
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
"I think they should use
October 23, 2008 - 11:52 ET by sanergononlib"I think they should use their authority and their broadcast power to present an informed discussion of public issues."
Gee I feel that way about all of the MSM but for some reason that presentaion of an informed discussion has been lacking. Liberals will not be satisfied until they control ALL discussion they feel fit to be presented to the public. All of us need to start our own grass roots efforts to deflect this terrifying trajectory into Marxism. I am 59 and I am REALLY concerned. If I could retire I would dedicate the rest of my life to bringing some sanity back to this country.
FAIRNESS DOCTRINE.
October 23, 2008 - 12:11 ET by STANISZCHARLIE Let, s get real here people from what i can observe here and on some of these blogs that have to report the left,s craziness i, think it would harm them more and hurt some of the conservative spokesman who are in it for the money only. Limbo for one would be in trouble as he can be made to go mano e mano and this would cut down on his excess time to run his commercial,s which he is more concerned with.
satellite radio
October 23, 2008 - 12:15 ET by candidcameracatIf the Fairness Doctrine comes back, I'm subscribing to satellite radio.
No one wants to hear
October 23, 2008 - 12:40 ET by wiwfNo one wants to hear liberalism because it's a bunch of baloney, and talk radio has proven that! You had your chance with Air America, so shut up and take a time out in the corner, you big whiner.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
I think you misunderstood my
October 23, 2008 - 13:56 ET by candidcameracatI think you misunderstood my point. I'm not a liberal. What I'm saying is that conservatives will be forced to go to satellite radio if the Fairness Doctrine comes back.
ccc... I understood your
October 23, 2008 - 14:06 ET by bigtimerccc...
I understood your point very well...if this did happen, that is exactly where all the conservative radio talking heads would go...period.
You aren't alone with your sentiments.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
What makes you think
October 24, 2008 - 03:27 ET by Dan The Man 2What makes you think satellite radio will be exempt?
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Stanisz, not sure of your
October 23, 2008 - 13:05 ET by sanergononlibStanisz, not sure of your point. However, having real debate is healthy but it should be voluntary. Government forced debate would be impractical and policing it fairly would be impossible. The free market of ideas is the only fair way to do this. Does anyone deny that Rush and Fox news have become so popular because they offer a counterpoint to the traditional media? Why listent to Air America when an already left leaning view point is all over the MSM?
What it is, or rather who it is, that is less intelligent...
October 23, 2008 - 14:56 ET by ThalpyWhat it is, or rather who it is, that is less intelligent is obvious: Senator Bingaman.
WHO in the hell do they think they're fooling?
October 23, 2008 - 21:01 ET by Tailgunner'Fairness' and 'balance' my @ss. Democrats want to shut conservatives up and shut talk radio down.
Obama liberals KNOW that talk radio will stop carrying conservative hosts to avoid losing money by being forced to carry liberals, truthers, Islamists, anarchists and every other wacko you can think of on the air. They know the huge legal red tape that comes with one complaint of 'unfairness'.
In short, Obama is going to NUKE the First Amendment and shut conservatives up permanently. Even the internet will not have the mass communication effect that talk radio now has (assuming Obama doesn't silence that next).
NOLI PUGNARE ME OCCIDERE
tg... It isn't going ever
October 23, 2008 - 21:09 ET by bigtimertg... It isn't going ever shut-up anyone on the right side of life via the radio air waves...they will all just go to satellite...
Read above, we were talking about this earlier.
Btw...Do not get me wrong...I have been posting about the left and the Fairness Doctrine for a very long time.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh