Stuff You Should Know

Selects: How the Fairness Doctrine Worked

June 13, 2026·52 min·6-min readconversationalculture
Podzilla Summary (6 min)
TLDR
The podcast episode explores the history, impact, and legacy of the Fairness Doctrine, a U.S. policy that required broadcasters to present controversial issues in a balanced manner. Host Josh Clark argues that its repeal in the 1980s helped create today’s polarized media landscape, while

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Mentions

Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.

People

Josh ClarkChuck BryantDavid SouterFred J. CookHarold Gross

Companies

FCCRed Lion Broadcasting

Research & Papers

Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCCOffice of Communication of the United Church of Christ v. FCC

Topics

Civil Rights HistoryHistory Of ScienceSupreme CourtUs Politics

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