The Federal Communications Commission, the fairness doctrine, and the dynamics of broadcast deregulation: 1981-1987

Donald J. Jung, Purdue University

Abstract

This study provides an institutional history of the Federal Communications Commission between 1981 and 1987, as it systematically positioned itself to eliminate enforcement of the broadcast fairness doctrine. The study is arranged chronologically, and is based on documentary research and interviews. Because the study focuses on regulatory reform, Roger Noll's four-part typology of regulatory reform is used as a means of organizing the material. Noll's typology of regulatory reform seeks to identify: (1) reorganization, (2) procedural reform, (3) changing the mandate, and (4) alterations to the external environment. Explicitly stated, the research question pursued is: How, through reorganization, procedural reform, changing of mandate, and alterations to its external environment, did the commission between 1981 and 1987, position itself so as to be relieved of its obligation to enforce the broadcast fairness doctrine? This historical study is organized into seven major sections: the Introduction includes the rationale for the study, the primary research question, and methodological and literature reviews; Chapter I includes a brief overview of both the history of the commission and the fairness doctrine; Chapter II gives historical context to the period prior to 1981; Chapter III focuses on commission actions between 1981 and 1983; Chapter IV focuses on commission actions between 1984 and 1985; Chapter V focuses on commission actions between 1986 and 1987; and Chapter VI provides an analysis and conclusions. Also, an Appendix is included containing excerpts from interviews conducted with individuals involved with fairness doctrine issues during this period. The author concludes that although all four of Noll's typology for achieving regulatory reforms were applied by the commission during this period, changing the mandate had the most impact. Statutorily, the commission's mandate did not change. But by claiming the terms of the debate, and redefining its key concepts, the commission redefined the process. Particularly by means of this redefinition process, the commission was able to achieve its stated 1981 goal: elimination of the fairness doctrine.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Berg, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Mass media|American history|Public administration

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