133,000 Join ACLJ in Effort to Save Christian Broadcasting by Preventing Return of Fairness Doctrine

"A return to the Fairness Doctrine would be a crippling blow for Christian broadcasters—giving the federal government authority to tell them what to air," - Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2008—The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) announced today that it has received 133,906 signatures on a petition urging the U.S. House of Representatives to consider the Broadcaster Freedom Act-which would permanently prohibit the FCC or any future President from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine.

The ACLJ, the nation's top conservative public interest law firm, is working with members of Congress on the issue, including Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), one of the co-sponsors of the Broadcaster Freedom Act.  The act has stalled in the House but ACLJ attorneys are hopeful that this petition showing significant public support for the Broadcaster Freedom Act will help move it close to a vote.

"The fact is a return to the Fairness Doctrine would be a crippling blow for Christian broadcasters-giving the federal government authority to tell broadcasters what to air," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ.  "The Broadcaster Freedom Act is essential to ensuring that this troubling regulatory measure does not resurface." 

"We've heard from more than 133,000 people who do not want the government deciding what Christian broadcasters must air.  The only way to ultimately protect Christian broadcasting from government intervention is to pass the Broadcaster Freedom Act and we're hopeful that the measure gets to the House floor soon so there can be an up-or-down vote," said Sekulow.

In order for the Broadcaster Freedom Act to move directly to the House floor for an up-or-down vote, 218 members of the House must sign on to a discharge petition.  More members of Congress continue to sign on with only 23 more signatures needed.

"We applaud the efforts of Congressman Mike Pence and others who understand that the Broadcaster Freedom Act is necessary and deserves immediate consideration by the full House.  We're hopeful that will occur," said Sekulow.

The ACLJ has heard from people who have signed on to an ACLJ petition urging members of Congress to sign on to the discharge petition.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.  The ACLJ is online at www.aclj.org.  TheACLJ's online newsroom can be accessed at www.DeMossNewsPond.com/ACLJ.

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