In 1985, under FCC Chairman Mark S. Fowler, a communications attorney who had served on Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign staff in 1976 and 1980, the FCC released a report stating that the doctrine hurt the public interest and violated free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.
In August 1987, under FCC Chairman Dennis R. Patrick, the FCC abolished the doctrine by a 4-0 vote.
Since then, the various political talks show on radio outlets have developed a pattern of discriminating against those who have an opposing view from being able to speak. This is a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech. The Fairness Doctrine must be re established to give everyone an equal chance to have their say without being kicked off the air because someone disagrees with them.



