FYI - an interesting and informative article.
Whatever Dan did to enhance freedom of the press was balanced by his abuse of that freedom.
He also made groups like the Media Research Center possible. Once the required lip service to fairness was abolished, the bias that was covert, became overt. The networks, and newspapers like the NY Times, never really paid much mind to true "fairness", but at the same time, they at least attempted to occasionally sneak it in the back door. Now its so blatant the MRC and other groups can report on biased reporting EVERY SINGLE DAY.
This is one of the few mentions of the impact of the fairness doctrine in the press that I have ever seen. I wish authors would take the next logical step and also show that incidents of biased reporting rose at the same time, not just that it helped Rush Limbaugh.
So, a blind pig found an acorn .... wonder what the Amazin (ex)Newsman Dan will come up with next.
I'll bet he regrets it.
I don't ascribe any superior motivations to Rather. His selfish and slavish devotion to liberalism just caused him to make a mistake in our favor. His high regard for journalistic standards and constitutional freedom allowed him to lie regularly to millions of viewers. I find it hard to believe he courageously stood up for what he believed was right. I bet he was paid good money for his support.
It is ironic that the FD probably helped bring him down. I wonder how long it will take Dan to get on the speaking circuit? I think he should host a lame SNL show first. Then Letterman's top 10 list. Then a book. Then a reality show called "What's the Frequency?" Then a MSNBC show. Then an appearance on CSPAN and PBS twice a month. Then I hope he lives a long time to enjoy being a bitter and shamed old man. Then one day he is in the clutches of Satan and surrounded by Rather's MSM colleagues, rat politicians, and other vile loathsome demons...they point at Rather and say "you let some of them get deprogrammed." Then they will make him watch American Idol.