Friday, February 6, 2009

Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow continues fight for "fair" radio

Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow wants radio to be fair. So she is upset that a radio station called Obama 1260 AM is quitting its Obama format for financial news. Also she wants talk radio to present both sides of an issue. I guess much like MSNBC presents all the sides to an issue because she has no problem with MSNBC.

Radio is all about staying interesting. Apparently the liberals aren't interesting. At least on the radio.

--From POLITICO--

Sen. Stabenow wants hearings on radio 'accountability'; talks fairness doctrine
This morning, radio host Bill Press brought up the recent closing of liberal station Obama 1260 when speaking with Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and talked about whether there needs to be a balance to right-wing talk on the radio dial.

BILL PRESS: Yeah, I mean, look: They have a right to say that. They’ve got a right to express that. But, they should not be the only voices heard. So, is it time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine?

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I think it’s absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it’s called the Fairness Standard, whether it’s called something else — I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.

BILL PRESS: Can we count on you to push for some hearings in the United States Senate this year, to bring these owners in and hold them accountable?

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that’s gonna happen. Yep.
Although Obama has been publicly opposed to reinstating the fairness doctrine, conservative radio has talked nonstop about the fear of it returning (or perhaps something like it with another name) while there's a Democrat in the White House and a Democratic majority in Congress.

UPDATE: A commenter points out that Stabenow is married to Tom Athans, a liberal talk radio executive. He was the former executive of AirAmerica radio. He now runs USA Radio, a liberal talk radio outfit.

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