» New Mexico Senator: "Bring Back Fairness Doctrine!" That's the chilling comment from Democratic U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman during an on-air appearance yesterday (10/21) on KKOB/Albuquerque. Asked by host Jim Villanucci if he thinks there will be a push to reinstate the repealed doctrine in an Obama administration Bingaman replied, "I certainly hope so," and added, "I'd support that." Asked if he'd like to see changes in KKOB's programming mandated by the government Bingaman said, "I would. I would want this station and all stations to have to present a balanced perspective and different points of view instead of always hammering away at one side. I think that radio and media in general should have a higher calling than just reflecting a particular point of view. For many, many years we operated under a Fairness Doctrine and I think the country was well served by that. I think that public discussion was at a higher level and more intelligent in those days than it has become since." Here the interview audio HERE.

» No Need To Legislate Fairness: That's the response from Citadel/Albuquerque Market Manager Milt McConnell to the comments by his state Senator on resurrecting the Fairness Doctrine, which was repealed in 1987. "We take pride at KKOB in providing access to our entire Congressional delegation, regardless of party affiliation. As a testament to that fact, Senator Bingaman's office called last Friday to set up something for this week and we set it up right away. We have always given him access to this station to state his views. Clearly, in these days and times, there are so many outlets for any point of view that it really renders the need for any discussion of a return of the Fairness Doctrine moot."

» "Government Has No Business Dictating Content!": That's the opinion of Citadel VP News/Talk/Sports Programming Brian Jennings responding to the comments by Senator Bingaman on KKOB. "Unbelievable," says Jennings. "KKOB is the most successful station in New Mexico for 32 books running and Senator Bingaman would dictate our programming? I would point out that before the Fairness Doctrine was dropped in 1987 during the Reagan Administration, there were fewer than 100 talk stations nationwide. Now, there are approximately 1500 airing News, Talk, and Sports. Based on those numbers alone, if dropping the Fairness Doctrine wasn't good, then what is?  Government has no business dictating content. This is developing into a huge cultural and epic battle and I am very concerned." Are you concerned? Send us your feedback HERE.

» Obama Campaign Also Mobile: Responding to yesterday's (10/21) NTS Aircheck Today story noting that mobile audio provider Cellecast is now offering on-demand audio of Republican John McCain's press conferences and weekly radio addresses, Foneshow head-honcho Erik Schwartz checks in to say that Democrat Barack Obama can also be heard on-demand on your phone. "The Obama campaign and supporters have been using Foneshow since early in the primary fight last February," says Schwartz. "Lots of members of the media use the Barack Obama Media series to get alerted to and hear up to date audio from latest ads, speeches, and conference calls." You can check it out for yourself HERE.

» Murphy Upped At WTSO: Drinks all around as Clear Channel/Madison Ops Manager Tim Scott bestows a promotion on Owen Murphy who rises to the newly created position of Assistant Program Director at WTSO/ESPN Radio. In his new role, Murphy will continue on-air as one-half of the station's highly rated afternoon team Heller and Murphy and will also oversee the Sports/Talker's web content and other local programming. "With the success of Heller and Murphy and his past experience working with ESPN Radio, Owen has more than earned this promotion," said Scott.