Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 3299 - Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989/Amendment to Strike Fairness Doctrine Provision

(House)

The Administration supports the Oxley Amendment to strike the provision that would codify the so-called "fairness doctrine."

This doctrine is objectionable because it:

• conflicts with important First Amendment principles and impermissibly restricts the journalistic freedoms of broadcasters;
  
  
• could inhibit the free and open discussion of important and controversial issues; and
  
  
• is unnecessary, especially in light of the dramatic increase in the number of broadcast information sources in recent years.

A "fairness doctrine" provision does not belong in reconciliation legislation. In April of this year, the Justice Department advised Congress that it would recommend a veto of H.R. 315, which would codify the fairness doctrine.

LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE DIVISION DRAFT
9/29/89 - 11:25 A.M.