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The US Senate last Friday voted to ban any reinstatement of the so-called Fairness Doctrine, which was originally introduced in United States in 1949 and became a policy of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1967, when there were only three television networks and no Internet. The FCC then abolished the doctrine in 1987, claiming that the proliferation of media outlets made it irrelevant.

According to Steve Rendall of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, "The Fairness Doctrine had two basic elements: It required broadcasters to devote some of their airtime to discussing controversial matters of public interest, and to air contrasting views regarding those matters. Stations were given wide latitude as to how to provide contrasting views: It could be done through news segments, public affairs shows, or editorials. The doctrine did not require equal time for opposing views but required that contrasting viewpoints be presented."

As with many pieces of legislation, this one was added as an amendment to a bill giving Washington DC residents representation in the Senate and House of Representatives. The measure was supported by many Democrats in a vote of 87-11. Even President Obama has clearly stated his support for such a ban, which now goes to the House along with the rest of the bill.