The Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 (S. 742)
Sections Of The Veto That Damned America:
The Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 (S. 742)
Deregulation Reagan
Ronald Reagan's presidency from 1981 to 1989 was marked by a commitment to conservative principles, including a strong belief in limited government intervention in the economy. Reagan sought to implement a broad agenda of deregulation, tax cuts, and free-market policies to stimulate economic growth and reduce government influence. The deregulation efforts during Reagan's presidency were extensive, impacting various sectors of the economy. Here is a summary of Reagan's deregulation initiatives from his campaign in 1980 through the end of 1986:
Background and Campaign Promises:
Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign centered on a platform of reducing government intervention in the economy, cutting taxes, and promoting a more free-market-oriented approach. Reagan argued that excessive regulations stifled economic growth and innovation, and he promised to roll back what he considered unnecessary bureaucratic constraints.
1981: Air Traffic Control and PATCO Strike:
One of the earliest and most notable instances of deregulation during Reagan's presidency occurred in 1981 with the firing of over 11,000 striking air traffic controllers. The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) strike was in violation of federal law, and Reagan's decision to dismiss the striking workers sent a strong signal about the administration's commitment to enforcing labor laws and reducing the power of organized labor.
1982: Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act:
In 1982, Reagan signed the Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at deregulating the savings and loan (S&L) industry. The act allowed S&Ls to diversify their investments and engage in riskier practices, contributing to the subsequent savings and loan crisis in the late 1980s.
1983: Deregulation of Natural Gas:
Reagan signed the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1983, which further deregulated the natural gas industry. The legislation phased out price controls on natural gas, allowing market forces to determine prices. Proponents argued that this would encourage exploration and production, leading to increased domestic energy production.
1984: Cable Television Deregulation:
The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 marked a significant step toward deregulating the cable television industry. The legislation reduced regulatory restrictions on cable operators, enabling them to expand their services and compete more freely in the marketplace. This deregulation contributed to the growth of the cable television industry.
1985: Deregulation of Interstate Trucking:
The Motor Carrier Act of 1980, signed into law during the Carter administration but implemented under Reagan, led to the deregulation of interstate trucking. The act phased out entry controls and price regulations, allowing for increased competition in the trucking industry. This move was consistent with Reagan's broader deregulatory agenda.
1986: Tax Reform and Telecommunications Deregulation:
In 1986, Reagan signed the Tax Reform Act, which aimed to simplify the tax code and reduce tax rates. While not directly a deregulation effort, the act was part of Reagan's broader economic agenda. Additionally, the administration continued its push for deregulation in the telecommunications sector with the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1986. This legislation aimed to promote competition and reduce regulatory barriers in the telecommunications industry.
Assessment of Reagan's Deregulation Efforts:
Reagan's deregulation efforts were driven by a belief that reducing government intervention would spur economic growth, enhance competition, and encourage innovation. Proponents argue that these policies contributed to a period of robust economic expansion in the mid-1980s. However, critics contend that deregulation, particularly in the savings and loan industry, played a role in later financial crises.
The impact of Reagan's deregulation efforts varied across industries. While some deregulatory measures were widely praised for fostering competition and efficiency, others faced criticism for contributing to economic instability and environmental concerns.
In conclusion, Reagan's presidency witnessed a significant push for deregulation across various sectors of the economy. From air traffic control and savings and loans to natural gas, cable television, and interstate trucking, Reagan's administration sought to roll back regulatory measures in favor of a more market-driven approach. The long-term consequences and assessments of Reagan's deregulation efforts continue to be subjects of debate among economists and policymakers.
The Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 (S. 742)
The Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 (S. 742) was a significant piece of legislation aimed at ensuring balanced and fair coverage of controversial issues by broadcasters. Let’s delve into its history and key provisions.
Background and Purpose:
The act sought to clarify the congressional intent regarding certain requirements of the Communications Act of 1934. Specifically, it aimed to ensure that broadcasters provided a reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views on matters of public importance.
By codifying these requirements, the act aimed to promote a more informed and engaged citizenry by allowing diverse perspectives to be heard on the airwaves.
Key Provisions:
The act emphasized that broadcasters should afford equal airtime to opposing viewpoints on controversial issues. This meant that if a broadcaster covered a particular perspective, they were obligated to provide a similar opportunity for an opposing viewpoint.
It aimed to prevent media bias by supervising editorial practices and ensuring that broadcasters did not favor one side of an issue over another.
The act applied to both radio and television stations, recognizing their role as influential sources of information and opinion.
Legislative Process:
Introduced: Senator Ernest “Fritz” Hollings sponsored S. 742 on March 12, 1987, during the 100th Congress.
Passage in Senate: The bill passed the Senate on April 21, 1987, signaling bipartisan support for its goals.
Passage in House: The House also approved the bill on June 3, 1987.
Presidential Veto: However, President Ronald Reagan vetoed the bill on June 22, 1987. Congress did not attempt to override the veto.
Reintroduction: The bill was reintroduced in subsequent Congresses but did not become law.
Controversies and Debates:
Supporters argued that the act would enhance democratic discourse by ensuring a diversity of voices and preventing media monopolies from dominating public opinion.
Critics, including some broadcasters, raised concerns about freedom of speech. They believed that government intervention in editorial decisions could stifle creativity and hinder journalistic independence.
Legacy and Impact:
Although the Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 did not become law, its principles continue to shape discussions about media responsibility and fairness.
The act’s demise led to a shift away from government-mandated fairness requirements, allowing broadcasters more editorial discretion.
The debate over media regulation persists, with ongoing discussions about the role of government in ensuring balanced coverage and promoting diverse viewpoints.
In summary, the Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 aimed to foster a more informed citizenry by requiring broadcasters to provide reasonable opportunities for conflicting views on important issues. While it faced challenges and ultimately did not pass, its legacy remains relevant in today’s media landscape.
The Veto That Damned America
The Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987 (S. 742) was a bill that aimed to codify the Fairness Doctrine, a policy that required broadcast licensees to present balanced and diverse views on controversial issues of public importance. The Fairness Doctrine was enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) since 1949, but was abolished by the FCC in 1987 under the Reagan administration.
President Ronald Reagan vetoed the bill on June 12, 1987, arguing that the Fairness Doctrine violated the First Amendment rights of broadcasters and inhibited the free and open exchange of ideas. In his veto message, Reagan stated that the Fairness Doctrine "restricts the journalistic freedom of broadcasters to present the issues of public importance to their viewers and listeners" and "actually inhibits the presentation of controversial issues of public importance to the detriment of the public and the degradation of the editorial prerogative of broadcast journalists."
Reagan also claimed that the Fairness Doctrine was unnecessary and counterproductive in the era of media proliferation and diversity. He asserted that "the growth of new sources of information and views in cable, satellite broadcasting, and direct broadcast satellites, as well as in the traditional print media, has substantially weakened the argument that the spectrum is a scarce resource requiring Federal regulation of broadcast content." He contended that "the interest of the public in receiving a balanced presentation of views on controversial issues is fully served by the multiplicity of voices in the marketplace."
Reagan's veto was supported by many conservatives and libertarians who saw the Fairness Doctrine as a form of government censorship and a threat to the freedom of the press. They argued that the Fairness Doctrine stifled the expression of conservative opinions and favored the liberal establishment. They also pointed out that the Fairness Doctrine did not apply to cable TV, print media, or other forms of communication, creating an unfair and inconsistent regulation of the media.
Reagan's veto was opposed by many liberals and progressives who saw the Fairness Doctrine as a safeguard for democracy and a tool for ensuring diversity and balance in the media. They argued that the Fairness Doctrine promoted the public interest and prevented the domination of the airwaves by powerful and wealthy interests. They also pointed out that the Fairness Doctrine did not mandate equal time or impose a particular viewpoint, but only required broadcasters to provide a reasonable opportunity for the expression of contrasting views.
Reagan's veto was upheld by Congress, as neither the House nor the Senate could muster the two-thirds majority needed to override it. The Fairness Doctrine remained abolished, and the media landscape changed significantly in the following years. The rise of talk radio, cable news, and the internet created new platforms for the expression of diverse and often polarized opinions, but also raised new challenges and controversies regarding the quality, accuracy, and responsibility of the media.