• The Hill, Friday, July 27, 2007 11:30 AM

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin sees no need to bring back the "Fairness Doctrine." He thinks the last two decades have brought "access to an ever-expanding range of views of opinions." In his letter to Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), Martin says the necessity of such a tool has waned with the advent of the Internet and satellite broadcasting.

Pence has introduced the "Broadcaster Freedom Act," which would prevent the Fairness Doctrine from being reinstated by the FCC. With 143 co-sponsors, the bill was prompted after an outcry from Democrats about the conservative slant of talk radio.

"We commend the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission for his commitment to free and independent airwaves in America," says Pence. "Chairman Martin's comments should encourage millions who cherish the vigorous debate of American talk radio."

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