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Newsgroups: mod.politics
Subject: TV Censorship/Bias
Message-ID: <12231588633.47.MCGREW@RED.RUTGERS.EDU>
Date: Sun, 17-Aug-86 15:23:06 EDT
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Posted: Sun Aug 17 15:23:06 1986
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    From: Steve Dennett <DENNETT@SRI-NIC.ARPA>

    ... All three [TV networks] refused, saying basically "Sorry, but
    we won't run ads presenting a political viewpoint.  Political
    questions can only be covered in a 'balanced' manner, by our own
    public affairs departments" (if and when they get around to it, of
    course).

    [ ... The three 'major networks' can't rule the airwaves like they
    used to.  ... CNN, TBS, Metromedia, Fox, ... HBO, TMC, MTV, CBN,
    USA, MSG, ...  - CWM]

  This isn't a conspiracy amongst the three major TV networks.  It is
the notorious 'fairness doctrine' that the unelected FCC commisioners
have required all radio, TV, satellite, and cable stations and
networks to kowtow to or lose their license.  The First Amendment does
not apply to broadcast media.
  The fact that this advertisement was finally broadcast is no more a
defense of this system than releasing Sakharov would be a proof that
the Soviet political system is acceptable.
                                                              ...Keith

[ I take it that no amount of anecdotal proof will make you reconsider
the principal, eh? -CWM]
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