H.C.R. No. 14 Summary

• Requests that the United States Congress refrain from enacting the Fairness Doctrine into law.

• Notes that the Fairness Doctrine, a Federal Communications Commission policy in effect before 1987, required broadcast stations to provide balanced and fair coverage of controversial issues.

• Argues the Fairness Doctrine violates First Amendment rights by prohibiting reporters from making their own decisions about story balance and causes journalists to avoid covering controversial issues.

• Contends that broadcasters currently provide adequate coverage of controversial issues through news, public affairs, and special programming without federal mandate, and that the public can rely on journalist judgment and their own ability to evaluate coverage.

• Directs the House Clerk to transmit copies of the resolution to the President, Congress, and Ohio's Congressional delegation.