Oh, I love this. LOVE it. I can't think of anything that would derail the right wing noise machine than bringing back the Fairness Doctrine. Can you imagine how much Fox News would have to revamp their programming? It would be unrecognizable. And get this: Tim Russert might actually have to invite Democratic officials on Meet The Press! The mind reels at the possibilities.

FMQB: (h/t Taylor Marsh)

Over the weekend, the National Conference for Media Reform was held in Memphis, TN, with a number of notable speakers on hand for the event. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) made an surprise appearance at the convention to announce that he would be heading up a new House subcommittee which will focus on issues surrounding the Federal Communications Commission.

The Presidential candidate said that the committee would be holding "hearings to push media reform right at the center of Washington." The Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the House Government Reform Committee was to be officially announced this week in Washington, D.C., but Kucinich opted to make the news public early.

In addition to media ownership, the committee is expected to focus its attention on issues such as net neutrality and major telecommunications mergers. Also in consideration is the "Fairness Doctrine," which required broadcasters to present controversial topics in a fair and honest manner. It was enforced until it was eliminated in 1987.

Kucinich said in his speech that "We know the media has become the servant of a very narrow corporate agenda" and added "we are now in a position to move a progressive agenda to where it is visible."

You can be sure that the Rush Limbaughs and Melanie Morgans will be fighting this tooth and nail. Taylor has more on her site.