Unfair Sinclair
If nothing else is clear about the Sinclair broadcasting company's plans to have all of their TV stations broadcast an anti-Kerry propaganda film this close to the election, it is obvious that the American public is poorly served by Ronald Reagan's abolition of the Fairness Doctrine in broadcasting. Considering that the airwaves are a public trust which broadcasters are allowed use of so long as they serve the public good, it is shameful that the FCC is prepared to stand idly by while this abuse of not only the airwaves, but of our electoral system, occurs. Presumably the FCC can't order that the documentary not be shown, as the Supreme Court has ruled in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) that prior restraint on publication is unconstitutional. However they could certainly offer an opinion on conditions under which stations could have their licenses revoked. Not that one seriously expects Colin Powell's son, Michael, to use his FCC chairmanship to stand in the way of the Bush re-election bid. BTW, there is some discussion over at The Left Coaster as to whether or not Sinclair will offer equal time, and what Kerry should do if such an offer is made.
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