Fairness Doctrine on the Senate floor; Update: DeMint bill passes 87-11, but so does Durbin's

By Michelle Malkin • February 26, 2009 02:05 PM

Scroll for updates…

From Sen. Jim DeMint’s office:

Today, at 2pm, the Senate will vote on two amendments with respect to the Fairness Doctrine.

– The DeMint amendment (Broadcaster Freedom Act) would ban the Fairness Doctrine.

– The amendment by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) would achieve the same goals of the Fairness Doctrine through backdoor FCC regulations. His legislation forces the FCC to “take actions to encourage and promote diversity in communication media ownership,” an attempt to dismantle successful syndicated radio programs. The Durbin amendment would hurt small, local radio stations who depend on popular syndicated programming for listeners and revenue.

Here’s an article that seems to get at what Durbin’s amendment is about.

Senator DeMint will encourage all senators to OPPOSE the Durbin Amendment.

The Duct Tape Brigade is out there in full force.

Eternal vigilance is required.

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Update 1:30pm Eastern. The DeMint amendment passes 87-11, but as Sen. DeMint Tweets: “Our ban on Fairness Doctrine passes 87-11. But fight not over, Dems have attacked from back door on media ownership, localism.”