Suchergebnisse

It is axiomatic that no law or regulation is without its costs, as well as its benefits. The fairness doctrine, a body of rules & policy of the Federal Comm's Commission, requires that when one side of a controversial issue of public importance is broadcast, contrasting views must also be presented. Rules adopted in the Sum of 1967 also require an opportunity for groups or individuals to reply if they have been 'attacked' via radio & TV. Because of certain exceptions to these rules, it appears unlikely that the new rules will have an inhibitory or 'chilling' effect on broadcasts concerning controversial public issues. At the same time, broadcasters will be prevented from attacking individuals & then denying or restricting their opportunity to recover their reputation. Admittedly this obligation restricts the rights of broadcasters to say & do as they please-as the several cases cited herein amply demonstrate. But while we do restrict the freedom of the broadcaster to some degree, the alternative is to allow him to restrict the freedom of others (if he chooses) on an entirely arbitrary basis. Furthermore, the new rules allow more effective & realistic sanctions than were heretofore available to the FCC. AA.