But despite the results of the Scott Walker Recall Talk Radio monitoring report, despite the fact that Talk Radio is not bonafide news, despite the multiple requests made by Tom Barrett supporters to WISN and WTMJ for comparable time (as per FCC guidelines) this is no slam dunk to get the FCC to rule on behalf of We the People.
Although its underpinnings come from Section 315 (a), the Zapple Doctrine was framed in context of the Fairness Doctrine, which went away in 1987, but was formally buried last July. The FCC says it is uncertain whether is still is enforceable given the absence of the Fairness Doctrine.
But the intent of Section 315 (a) is clear, and even the original language of Zapple says the Commission can legally view supporters of candidates as a logical offshoot of the intent of that longstanding Congressional law.
One thing is certain: we have proven that what Clear Channel (WISN) and Journal Communications (WTMJ) are doing on our publicly owned radio airwaves in Wiconsin is wanton with political intent, is violating the free speech of those Democrats who are being denied access on the scarce resource of radio (which the Supreme Court calls private censorship) and is damaging the fabric of our democracy.
It will be nearly impossible for the FCC to ignore this, and even they concede this complaint is "huge," with constitutional ramifications.
But the FCC needs to hear from people all over the country who want
this narrow rule, that in the 60 days prior to an election, stations
must provide comparable to BOTH major political parties, to survive.
Please sign the petition at Media Action Center to help this once in a lifetime effort to change the Talk Radio dynamic for once -- and for ALL.
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