Talk Radio

All Things Considered, June 27, 2007 · In Congress, some Democrats are concerned about the conservative nature of talk radio these days.

They'd like to reinstate something like the now-defunct Fairness Doctrine at the Federal Communications Commission. It required stations to make an effort to give even consideration to both sides of any debate.

The talk has agitated some Republicans, and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) is introducing legislation that would "protect" talk radio from government regulation of its content.

I think I almost have to agree with Pence on this one. I don't really think the government ought to regulate talk radio any more than I think it should regulate television content with one exception. I do think that any publicly licensed station should be required to provide political candidates equal air time to voice their views and opinions prior to elections. But that goes along with a different type of campaign finance system than the crap we have now.