The Fairness Doctrine and the ALA

The American Library Association [ALA] "historically supported" the Fairness Doctrine. The ALA promoted the Fairness Doctrine in 1985. Now derisively called the Censorship Doctrine, it was abolished in 1987. In 1988, the ALA worked to reintroduce it.

Today, the ALA has not taken a public position on the matter. I contacted the ALA Washington Office and learned from Don Essex, Legislative Information Specialist, that:

Currently, we have not taken an official position or made a statement in the latest round of the issue. We are noting developments as they happen and deliberating whether it’s necessary for ALA to respond. As you noted, it appears the Obama administration doesn’t support revival of the Fairness Doctrine. Nevertheless, some in Congress are looking for greater assurance – i.e. legislation.

Thanks to Don Essex, I was able to obtain previous ALA statements on the Fairness Doctrine. To save future researchers the trouble, I present below (unedited) written and graphic versions of the relevant documents.

1985
Retention of FCC
Fairness Doctrine
010085-XXXX.pdf

RETENTION OF FCC FAIRNESS DOCTRINE

WHEREAS, There is a strong possibility that a bill similar to Senator Packwood's FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ACT which died in committee in the 98th Congress, will be introduced in the 99th Congress; and

WHEREAS, The general subject of such a bill will probably encompass deregulation of the broadcast media and involve repeal of the Fairness Doctrine and the Equal Time provision; and

WHEREAS, These provisions protect the First and Fourteenth Amendment rights of the public and are intended to assure access to information as well as diversity of viewpoints; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, That the American Library Associationtake a position against deregulation of the broadcast media and the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine including the Equal Time provision.

[SEAL - AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION]

ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
January, 1985, in Washington DC
Transmitted by
[/s/]
Robert Wedgeworth, Secretary of Council

1988
ALA Statement on Enactment into Law
of the Fairness Doctrine
011388-CD31.pdf

adopted 1/13/88 [handwritten] 1987-88 CD#31

ALA Statement on Enactment into Law of the Fairness Doctrine

WHEREAS, The Fairness Doctrine and Equal Time Provisions have protected the First and Fourteenth Amendment rights of the public and were intended to ensure access to information as well as diversity of viewpoints; and

WHEREAS, The Federal Communications Commission abolished the Fairness Doctrine on August 4, 1987; and

WHEREAS, The American Library Association has historically supported the Fairness Doctrine; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Legislative Policy adopted by the ALA Council on July 1, 1987 opposes the "deregulation of the broadcast media and the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine, including the 'equal time' provisions"; and

WHEREAS, The Congress of the United States has yet to enact the Fairness Doctrine into law;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the American Library Association urge the United States Congress to immediately enact the Fairness Doctrine into law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to all of the appropriate bodies.

Approved by the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee and the ALA Legislation Committee, January 12, 1988.



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