Reagan, Ronald, as fortieth President

Autograph letter signed ("Ron"), 1 page on a White House card, [Washington, June 1987], to Ward L. Quaal of Chicago, with original autograph envelope.

President Reagan writes to an old broadcasting colleague about overturning the "Fairness Doctrine":"I vetoed the 'Fairness Bill.' Bob Byrd pulled a little parliamentary trick & sent the vetoed bill back to committee—without allowing a vote to override because I had the votes to sustain the veto. He may try to attach it some other legistation & if so I'll veto it again."

The Fairness Doctrine was introduced by the Federal Communications Commission in 1949. While its objectives may have been laudable—requiring the holders of broadcast licenses to present controversial issues of public importance in an honest, equitable and balanced manner—its implementation was capricious and controversial. The FCC eliminated the doctrine in 1987, but the Senate attempt to codify it in law through the "Fairness in Broadcasting Act of 1987." President Reagan vetoed that legislation on 19 June 1987, stating at the time that "This type of content-based regulation by the Federal Government is, in my judgment, antagonistic to the freedom of expression guaranteed by the First Amendment."

Ward Quaal was a pioneer of midwestern broadcasting, rising to become general manager, and ultimately president, of Chicago's  WGN-AM 720 and WGN channel 9.