'in kind' Fairness Doctrine ruling not good for those who wish it's return

[evnlee]

http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/index.cfm?fa=opinions.showOpinion&filename=779660MAJ

A unanimous Washington state supreme court ruling, issued this morning, reversed a lower court ruling that held radio commentary by Seattle's KVI-570's Kirby Wilbur and John Carlson made "in-kind" contributions when they promoted an anti-gas tax voter initiative on their shows in 2005.

...."Today we are confronted with an example of abusive prosecution by several local governments. San Juan County and the cities of Seattle, Auburn, and Kent (hereinafter Municipalities) determined to file a legal action ostensibly for disclosure of radio time spent discussing a proposed initiative. This litigation was actually for the purpose of restricting or silencing political opponents and was quickly dismissed after the filing deadline for the initiative. "

KVI host John Carlson told the Times: "It's a great day for freedom of speech in Washington and great day for freedom of speech in America. I am stunned that it was 9-nothing. I thought we would win but rarely do you see the court come down 9-nothing.

"There was a lot at stake if this decision had been upheld. Basically radio commentary would have become de facto advertising and free speech would have been commercial speech."


sorry, Libs! Nice try! ;D

 

[robbbc]

The lower court ruling only held that disclosure was necessary. It did not prohibit the speech nor did it tax or restrict or require balance for what was said. The potential to require such disclosures for all sorts of advocate journalism (such as newspaper editorials, etc.) would have been a coup for republicans. Thanks for that briar patch brer fox.

 

[evnlee]

The lower court ruling only held that disclosure was necessary. It did not prohibit the speech nor did it tax or restrict or require balance for what was said. The potential to require such disclosures for all sorts of advocate journalism (such as newspaper editorials, etc.) would have been a coup for republicans. Thanks for that briar patch brer fox.

and the SUPREME's smacked them down. Perhaps you should read some of the dissent of the Wash Supreme court ~ before you ask to be thrown in that 'briar patch', there junior :