While I don't believe we need a return to the "Fairness Doctrine" I do believe we need to add one element of "fairness" to broadcasting.

In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling that shot down a key element of McCain-Feingold, corporate interests will have unfettered access to broadcast media during the run-up to elections.  "Issue ads" directed towards candidates will no longer have any restrictions placed upon them.  Made under the guise of a protection of "free" speech, this decision only protects $$$ speech.

Here's where we need an ounce of fairness.  If broadcasters are going to accept millions for "issue ads", they should be required to provide truly free airtime for responses to those ads (from all participating candidates, so we don't fall victim to straw-man issues).  Hopefully, that would: 1) limit a broadcast network's likelyhood of accepting these ads, and 2) allow appropriate responses in case they do.