It was also argued that the Fairness Doctrine would stiﬂe rather than encourage
free speech, by deterring broadcasters from airing controversial content in the
ﬁrst place for fear of provoking an FCC action. The Fairness Doctrine was
eventually rescinded by the FCC itself under Republican chairman Denis
Patrick in 1987, in a 4–0 vote. The Democrats in Congress have subsequently
tried unsuccessfully to reinstate the doctrine on several occasions but faced
strong opposition from Republican administrations,
including a veto by
President Reagan and a threatened veto by President George H. W. Bush.
Social_Media_and_Democracy