Opinion ID: 303593
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Broad Effect of a Decision Upholding Petitioner's Complaint

Text: 35 We are impelled to this conclusion, not only by evaluation of petitioner's single case, but our contemplation of the consequences generally of an opposite decision here. To characterize every dispute of this character as calling for rejoinder under the fairness doctrine would so inhibit television and radio as to destroy a good part of their public usefulness. It would make what has already been criticized as a bland product disseminated by an uncourageous media even more innocuous. It would discourage any television-radio commentary on newspaper editorials or news items. It would in every way inhibit that robust public debate that the fairness doctrine was born to enhance. 36 During fiscal year 1970 complaints to the FCC alleging violation of the fairness doctrine numbered 1,736 compared to 1,632 the previous year. 19 By elevating this Los Angeles housewife to the dignity of a controversial issue of public importance, we would insure that the licensees and the FCC would be swamped by complaints under the fairness doctrine, and that the licensees' only defense would be to eliminate everything controversial from the air. Obviously, the American public would be the loser. 37 As we pointed out above, according to the Supreme Court in the Red Lion case, 20 the two foundations of the fairness doctrine are first, the statutory basis, that broadcast facilities must operate in the public interest; second, that under the First Amendment the public has a right to free and open debate. 21 Further, . . . the essential basis for any fairness doctrine, no matter with what specificity the standards are defined, is that the American public must not be left uninformed, 22 Keeping in mind those standards and objectives, petitioner's complaint to the Federal Communications Commission under the fairness doctrine was properly rejected by the FCC, and we decline to reverse its ruling here. 38 So ordered.