http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-938781.mp3
Macomb, IL – The panelists criticize a suggestion by US Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) that the FCC do away with Fox and MSNBC.
Rockefeller made his comments during a subcommittee hearing. In part, he said, "There's a little bug inside of me which wants to get the FCC to say to Fox and to MSNBC: 'Out. Off. End. Goodbye.' It would be a big favor to political discourse, our ability to do our work here in Congress, and to the American people to be able to talk with each other and have some faith in their government and, more importantly, in their future."
As the panelists point out, such a move by the government would violate the First Amendment.
They believe the best way to respond to speech you don't like is with more speech. They also point out consumers have the option of changing the channel or shutting off the television if they don't like what they're hearing.
In addition, the FCC does not regulate cable channels so it has no authority over Fox News Channel or MSNBC. The FCC only regulates the broadcast airwaves.
Even if the channels were shut down, the viewpoints they promote could easily be found on a variety of websites.