THE FAIRNESS DOCTRINE AND BROADCAST POLICY: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON MEDIA BALANCE

Abstract

The ongoing evolution of television and new technologies has raised questions about the necessity of regulation. Television has become a powerful tool for disseminating information, making it a significant part of the media landscape and a platform for policymakers to communicate their messages. It can serve as both an educational tool and a source of entertainment. This duality has sparked a debate, pitting populist ideals against corporate capitalism, primarily in the context of media deregulation. As W. Lance Bennet (2004) notes, this deregulation has led to the growth of global media conglomerates, with differing opinions on its consequences. Some argue that it has eroded public service broadcasting and media social-responsibility norms, resulting in a decline in information quality and political disengagement among citizens. Conversely, others see deregulation as broadening information choices and empowering citizens to determine their preferred levels of political engagement.