A bill to clarify the congressional intent concerning, and to codify, certain requirements of the Communications Act of 1934 that ensure that broadcasts afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views on issues of public importance.
Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1989 - Expresses the findings of the Congress that the Fairness Doctrine: (1) fairly reflects the statutory obligations of broadcasters; (2) received statutory approval from the Congress in 1959; and (3) reasonably balances first amendment rights.
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require broadcast licensees to provide a reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views on issues of public importance. Requires enforcement and application of such requirement to be consistent with the rules and policies of the Federal Communications Commission in effect on January 1, 1987. States that such rules and policies shall not be construed to authorize the application of any criminal sanction pursuant to such Act.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 106.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 101-141.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 101-141.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 261.
checking server…
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line