Sunday, June 24, 2007

Setting up expectations: A variety of debates about immigration on the Sunday talk shows today. Sen. Sessions (R-AL) asserted that support for the "grand bargain" immigration bill “continues to erode," but Sen. Kennedy (D-MA) predicts that the bill still has enough votes to pass. On FOX News Sunday, Sen. Lott (R-MS) and Sen. Feinstein (D-CA), both backing the "grand bargain," talk about immigration and talk radio. In this discussion of talk radio, Chris Wallace, the moderator, asks about the "fairness doctrine," and Sen. Feinstein says she may be interested in bringing it back:
WALLACE: So would you revive the fairness doctrine?

FEINSTEIN: Well, I'm looking at it, as a matter of fact, Chris, because I think there ought to be an opportunity to present the other side. And unfortunately, talk radio is overwhelmingly one way.

WALLACE: But the argument would be it's the marketplace, and if liberals want to put on their own talk radio, they can put it on. At this point, they don't seem to be able to find much of a market.

FEINSTEIN: Well, apparently, there have been problems. It is growing. But I do believe in fairness. I remember when there was a fairness doctrine, and I think there was much more serious correct reporting to people.