The next step on our journey toward the Modern GOP, is something that happened during President Ronald Reagan’s final term in office. It has nothing to do with the Cold War or terrorism. It has everything to do with how Americans hear political discourse in the decades to come. In this episode of Great American Shit Show: Building Blocks, we come to find out how the removal of the “fairness doctrine” benefited the conservative agenda.

Now, some people think that the “fairness doctrine” would impact cable news, it doesn’t. Their logic behind that, and this is true, that people pay for cable so there should be no restrictions. Which is hilarious given the fact that when you sign up for a cable service, you don’t get a choice in which channels to view.

This action in its repeal would allow a conservative radio deejay, Rush Limbaugh, to skewer anyone that he sees as an energy without giving them a change to defend themselves. Allowing one narrative to be allowed on the airwaves.

Shownotes for “Building Blocks”

Articles:

The Fairness Doctrine – Wikipedia

Repeal of the Fairness Doctrine – Project Muse

The Life of Rush Limbaugh – Business Insider

The Rise and Collapse of Fox News – Chronicles Magazine

Fact Check: Fairness Doctrine Didn’t Apply to Fox News – USA Today

A Radio Man and His Presidents – City Journal

Videos:

Ron Futrell reports on the end of the “Fairness” Doctrine” 1981 – Ron Futrell

NBC Warns Against Removing Fairness Doctrine – Sovereign Rebellion

FCC Nominee Julius Genachowski Opposes Fairness Doctrine – C-Span

Kerry for Fairness Doctrine: Correct ‘Imbalance’ – The Heritage Foundation

Rush Limbaugh dies at age 70. This is why he was so important –CNN

Rush Limbaugh’s life and controversy – Washington Post

These words came from Medal of Freedom recipient Rush Limbaugh – CNN

Rush Limbaugh’s Sexism & Racism on Display –TYT

Radio personality Rush Limbaugh’s controversial history – CNN

Ronald Reagan Endorses Barry Goldwater – JFK Library

With Limbaugh taking advantage of this new open landscape, it would allow other personalities like Sean Hannity, Alex Jones, and many others to have radio shows and spread their uncontested fearmongering onto an unsuspecting public. An access that definitely helped in the rise of the Tea Party and definitely in the rise of Trump. Enjoy Great American Shit Show: Building Blocks.