Despite occasional denials from Democrats that the Fairness Doctrine will be revived, a number of Democrats have stated recently that the Doctrine should be reinstituted. The speculation is that the Fairness Doctrine, per se, won't be revived. Rather, a series of regulatory changes would accomplish the same thing. The concern is that a Democrat-dominated agency insulated by a Democrat majority in congress could effect such a result.

 

Usually, by the time controversial regulations are even proposed by federal agencies, established interest groups have already mobilized to influence the outcome. They weigh in during the notice and comment period, contact interested members of congress, and sometimes petition the relevant agency with suggested amendments.

 

Conservative talk radio has a powerful megaphone, but the cohort directly affected is tiny. That cohort must remain alert to proposed regulations that, standing alone, could appear innocuous. The passage of the "stimulus bill" should be a lesson in how screwy provisions can get lost among seemingly run-of-the-mill provisions.