The split represents two very different views of how much control government should have over the editorial judgement of broadcasters. On one side are those who believe that content-based regulation is an appropriate remedy to balance the partisan politics which frequently pervade the electronic media. But only in recent years have the battle lines been so distinctly drawn. Talk radio is one format that's found itself in the midst of the fray. It has flourished since the Fairness Doctrine's repeal nearly eight years ago.
Most hosts say that the timing was coincidental, that talk was just an idea whose time had come.
No one knows for sure, but a number of industry professionals and observers recently shared their ideas on the issue with The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University. This report examines the broad differences of opinion over how a new fairness law might affect talk radio.