Broadcasting\u27s Fairness Doctrine- An Illogical Extension of the Red Lion Concept

Television and radio advertising is fully accepted in our society as part and parcel of the American way of life. The business community of this country spends billions of dollars annually on commercials, attempting to convince Americans that they have an immediate and pressing need for products as diverse as panty hose and snow tires, roll-on deodorant and chain saws. In bad taste to some, boring or amusing to others, one thing these commercials have not been, is controversial. Should the United States Supreme Court uphold a recent District of Columbia Court of Appeals decision, the day may not be far off when in place of our favorite beer or Alka-Seltzer commercial, we may find a short anti-war message, perhaps a pro-busing plug, or even a get the U.S. out of the U.N. commercial