Rep. Mike Pence's response to me

Thank you for contacting me in support of my efforts to stop the Democrats from bringing back the so-called "Fairness Doctrine."

As you may know, the "Fairness Doctrine" a federal regulation requiring broadcasters to present both sides of a controversial issue, was enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 1949-1987. The FCC adopted it as a regulation, never a law enacted by Congress. When the rule was in place, radio and TV stations could face hefty fines if their stations aired controversial statements on public affairs without providing equal time to opposing viewpoints. The result was self-censorship by broadcasters who avoided discussing controversial political issues to escape any potential government retaliation.

When this rule was overturned by the board of the FCC in 1987, it led directly to the rise of talk radio that enabled average citizens to have their voices heard across America. Any effort now to codify the old doctrine into law would reverse 20 years of free speech enjoyed by Americans.

That is why I introduced the Broadcast Fairness Act along with more than 100 colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives. It would prevent the FCC from repromulgating the Fairness Doctrine.

I also offered an amendment to the bill that funds the FCC (H.Amdt. 484 to H.R. 2829), to prohibit the agency from using appropriated funds to reimplement the Fairness Doctrine in fiscal year 2008. The Pence Amendment passed by an overwhelming 309-115 vote.

In response, I have received hundreds of letters from across the country in opposition to this archaic regulation to stifle free speech on America's airwaves. You can help preserve Americans' First Amendment right to free speech by encouraging your members of Congress, both in the House and the Senate, to cosponsor the Broadcaster Freedom Act and oppose any effort to reimplement the Fairness Doctrine.

A list of current cosponsors can be viewed at http://thomas.loc.gov by searching for "H.R. 2905" for the House bill and "S. 1785" for the Senate bill. Click the link to the bill, then "Bill Summary and Status" and then "Cosponsors." A House directory can be found at http://www.house.gov; a Senate directory can be found at http://www.senate.gov.

Let us never again shackle broadcasters with this archaic and unfair regulation!

Again, thank you for contacting me. It is an honor to serve in the United States House of Representatives and have the benefit of your advice. If you would like more information on this or any other issue, please visit my website at http://mikepence.house.gov.

I have tried to stay on top of the Broadcaster Freedom Act, but let it go to tend to other matters. I recently emailed Rep. Mike Pence, explaining to him that I'd like to know, from his perspective, the status of the legislation. I explained that, not being his constituent, I did not expect a response if he could not give one. He graciously (and, I'm sure, out of concern regarding the 'Fairness' Doctrine) replied with the above letter. Read the WHOLE letter and contact your representative and senators accordingly- either thanks or encouragement/requests to cosponsor! We can't expect ANYthing out of these weasels in Washington if we don't speak our minds. There's no need to be disrespectful, but there's also no reason to be timid. Do your duty, ladies and gentlemen.

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

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.