The FCC Ends The Fairness Doctrine After Over 50 Years

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The FCC gave the coup de grace to the fairness doctrine Monday as the commission axed more than 80 media industry rules. Earlier this summer FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski agreed to erase the post WWII-era rule, but the action Monday puts the last nail into the coffin for the regulation that sought to ensure discussion over the airwaves of controversial issues did not exclude any particular point of view. A broadcaster that violated the rule risked losing its license.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski

Genachowski said in a statement that the move was aimed at promoting a healthy climate for private investment and job creation. Both the Obama administration and the FCC have come under criticism by business groups over laws and regulations such as health care reform and net neutrality rules.

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