News In Brief

FCC starts to review 'fairness doctrine'

The Federal Communications Commission began a review Wednesday of rules requiring broadcasters to give equal time to people with opposing viewpoints on controversial issues. The FCC said it wanted to determine whether continuing the 30-year-old rule, known as the ''fairness doctrine,'' was justified.

Supporters of the fairness doctrine say it ensures that the views of minorities are seen and heard on the airwaves. But the FCC said the growth of new media outlets may be providing the diversity of viewpoints which the rules were originally meant to ensure.

A spokeswoman for the National Association of Broadcasters said it supported eliminating rules.