The article reflects on the FCC's 1987 decision to repeal the Fairness Doctrine, a rule requiring balanced presentation of views on controversial issues. This decision, made by Chairman Dennis Patrick and his colleagues, inadvertently fostered a media environment where partisan outlets thrived. While some liberal media flourished post-repeal, conservative talk radio, led by figures like Rush Limbaugh, rose sharply. Initially aimed to inform a public with limited news sources, the Fairness Doctrine often deterred broadcasters from covering contentious topics to avoid repercussions.
In making the controversial decision to repeal the Fairness Doctrine, Patrick and his colleagues abolished a decades-old rule that had governed how Americans received the news.
Although intended to keep the public informed at a time when there wasn't a wealth of news sources, the effect of the doctrine was that many broadcasters avoided controversial issues entirely.
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