» Fired Up Over Fairness: When Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) told KKOB/Albuquerque host Jim Villanucci this week that he hoped a win by Democrat Barack Obaman would usher in a return of the Fairness Doctrine, our email box here at NTS Aircheck Today nearly burst into flames with responses. Here are some samples: » "The problem is we face election everyday while politicians run only every 2, 4, or 6 years. We do it everyday with ratings and in a PPM world it really is everyday. Maybe if these politicians had to face their constituents at the ballot box every moment of every day, in a field of not just one opponent but 30 or 40 or more depending on the market, they would have more respect for the job we do everyday. If we do not give our voters what they want they leave and we get 'voted out.'  What's more fair then that? When these guys screw up our street like they screwed up Wall Street will they be there to bail us out too?" -- Ken Charles, Clear Channel/Miami "This issue makes my blood boil! Forcing any speech in a multi-media world can be an infringement on free speech. Forcing equal time in the on-demand world is logically impossible." -- Andrew Deal, CelleCast "I've never met Jim Villanucci, but I would hop a plane to Albuquerque to shake his hand. The vile authoritarianism Senator Bingaman reveals when telling Jim he would indeed want government to determine KKOB programming should be a wake-up call to anyone doubting the darkest instincts of the fascist political hordes who wish to silence speech they disagree with. When people like this consider government-imposed balance a "higher calling" than letting people hear what they wish, they reveal their genuine contempt for liberty and market choices." -- Mark Davis, WBAP/Dallas "From a fairly left leaning Canadian, government should have no business legislating content on commercial media outlets. It is one thing to make it obligatory to offer an opposing candidate equal time during a national live address in the midst of a national election campaign. It is quite another to get involved in content decisions of media companies on a daily basis. I don't know many liberals outside of government who would disagree. I say let the government take control and fund PBS (like the CBC) and institute all the equality measures they like. There is some societal value in having at least one truly fair and balanced broadcaster that is legislated to be so. Just don't bring it to the private sector. -- Shawn Smith, Momentum Media Marketing

» Boehner Goes All Clint Eastwood At NM Rally: During a rally in New Mexico this week for Ed Tinsley, the Republican candidate for that state's 2nd Congressional District, U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) was asked by a Tinsley supporter what he thought about Senator Bingaman's comments on reviving the doctrine that was repealed over two decades ago during Ronald Reagan's administration. "Oh yeah, they want to shut down Talk radio alright," said Boehner. "Let them try. Make my day."

» And Now A Word From The Opposition: Although the majority of responses we received this week from readers about reinstating the Fairness Doctrine echoed the sentiments expressed above, not everyone thinks bringing it back is such a bad idea. 25-year broadcast veteran Roy Fredriks -- most recently a host at WCTC/New Brunswick, NJ wrote, "It absolutely should be reinstated. There are very few local stations in this country that give jobs to local talent. With the economy in dire straights, people like me, who would like to get on the air somewhere after twenty years in the medium, are stymied by all the network shows in most markets. Plus, there are simply very few local issues being discussed, it's all national and that, frankly, is boring. So, if it takes a Fairness Doctrine to change the landscape and give more broadcasters more opportunities, then it's got my vote."

» AAR Wants You To Make An Obama Commercial: New York City-based liberal Talk network Air America Radio has launched an online video contest asking listeners to create their own original "Obama For President" commercial. Through Sunday (10/26) listeners can post their entry to AAR's YouTube SITE. The top ten most viewed entries will become finalists, and will be featured on AAR's website beginning Monday (10/27) where final voting will occur through 10/31. The winning video will be awarded $500, streamed on Air America's Web site and promoted on-air by the network's personalities.

» Hey, Don't These Guys Clean Up Real Good? At last night's WBAP Texas Ball to benefit "The Coalition To Salute America's Heroes," WBAP/Dallas hosts Hal Jay (l) and Mark Davis welcomed a sold-out crowd who came out to pay tribute to, and provide financial assistance for, the families of American military men and women who have been injured in the line of duty.