TV & VIDEO - Aug. 4, 1987

The Federal Communications Commission plans Tuesday to repeal its 38-year-old policy requiring broadcasters to air all sides of controversial public issues, it was reported Monday. The decision to junk the Fairness Doctrine comes a month and a half after President Reagan vetoed legislation that would have made the policy law. FCC sources would not reveal details of the decision, but it was widely expected to include a statement that the Fairness Doctrine is unconstitutional because it violates broadcasters’ First Amendment rights to free expression.