Help the National Religious Broadcasters to keep the broadcast airwaves free from undue governmental control. Some congressional leaders have suggested a return to the "bad old days" of the former "Fairness Doctrine," where the FCC could have the power to sanction or even shut down radio stations that do not satisfy a vague standard of giving enough time to both sides of controversial subjects. If this should become law, Christian stations could be forced to included anti-Christian content in the programming day. To prevent this, e-mail your member in the House of Representatives and your Senators by using the letter provided below.

H.R. 2905 and S. 1742, sponsored respectively by Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) and Norm Coleman (R-MN), prohibits the FCC from reinstating the “Fairness Doctrine,” which had been in effect until 1987 when the FCC withdrew it. The rule had required broadcasters, among other things, to provide a “reasonable opportunity for the presentation of contrasting viewpoints” on issues. In 1969 the United States Supreme Court upheld the controversial broadcast doctrine despite arguments that it violated the First Amendment. Recently, a cadre of Democrat leadership has called for reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine, some citing the disproportionate prevalence of conservative talk show hosts.

According to NRB President and CEO, Dr. Frank Wright, the Fairness Doctrine “would disproportionately affect Christian media, particularly among non-commercial stations which depend on donors for support. Contributors who pay to promote the Christian Gospel do not want their dollars going to viewpoints they find to be anathema.”

Congressional Legislation
Broadcast Freedom Act of 2007 (House) Bill # H.R.2905 Original Sponsor: Mike Pence (R-IN 6th) Cosponsor Total: 204 (last sponsor added 07/31/2008)   3 Democrats   201 Republicans
About This Legislation: This bill introduced by Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) would prevent the Federal Communications Commission from repromulgating the fairness doctrine.
Detailed, up-to-date bill status information on H.R.2905.