Be fair, let the listeners decide

So the Democrats want to reintroduce the Fairness Doctrine because corporations rushed in after deregulation and, alas, talk radio is dominated by conservatives [“Speaking Up for Freedom of Speech,” by Tim Rutten, Oct. 6].

It is a ludicrous argument made by Sen. Dianne Feinstein and others that Congress needs to get involved in this. Believe me, if radio stations could make money with liberal talk shows, they would put them on the air tomorrow.

Why is Air America such a big flop? Apparently there is no audience for it and evidently no sponsors.

Terry Johnston

Newport Beach

This article supporting the Fairness Doctrine all but says “liberal talk radio has failed, therefore government must make sure that it succeeds by eliminating that which Americans wish to hear.”

I might agree with that argument if government would also go to the bastions of liberalism and ensure that conservatives also got equal voice in all aspects of free expression, such as newspapers, on university campuses and on other public airways, including the major television networks and all National Public Radio stations nationwide.

Lewis Berman

West New York, N.J.

As you push for the Fairness Doctrine in radio, shouldn’t we require the same restrictions on TV and newsprint?

The reason conservative talk radio works is because it is the only alternative to TV and newsprint, where liberal views are constantly promoted. It is truly market-driven.

Liberal talk radio always fails in an open market. PBS only exists because you and I are forced to pay for it. It certainly would not make it on its own.

Mike McBride

Eagle Harbor, Fla.

Rutten is either disingenuous or extremely naive when he says, “The only voice that isn’t being heard in all this talk over talk is that of the public.”

Actually, the public is speaking loud and clear. Reality show, talk radio, blogs, YouTube, “Lost” episodes on their iPods: The public is getting exactly what it wants.

Fair or unfair, it’s the public that makes these formats thrive.

Eric Cooper

Santa Monica