25 Rad. Reg. 2d (P & F) 887, 38 F.C.C.2d 314, 1972 WL 27031 (F.C.C.) Page 1 (C) 2012 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works. 25 Rad. Reg. 2d (P & F) 887, 38 F.C.C.2d 314, 1972 WL 27031 (F.C.C.) Page 2 in many rulings, up to and including the present political campaign, and it believes that its licensees 25 Rad. Reg. 2d (P & F) 887, 38 F.C.C.2d 314, 1972 are fully aware of their responsibilities. WL 27031 (F.C.C.) With respect to allegations of false and misleading statements regarding controversial issues of public FCC 72-981 importance, whether in paid time or otherwise, the **1 In Re Complaint by HON. RONALD REAGAN, Commission believes that the public will ultimately be best informed on public issues through 'robust, GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA Concerning Alleged Deceptive Advertising Re California State wide-open' debate, see N.Y. Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254, 270, in which reasonable opportunity is Employees Association afforded contrasting views. Absent certain conditions not here present (e.g., appearance by political (NOVEMBER 3, 1972) candidates) each licensee may exercise its own judgment as how best to serve the public interest by *314 Air mail Hon. RONALD REAGAN, Governorpresenting contrasting views, and what particular of California, State Capitol, Sacramento, Calif. 95814 material is to be presented. Intervention by the Commission regarding specific material being DEAR GOVERNOR REAGAN: This is in responsebroadcast for or against a proposition, even to the to your letter of October 27, 1972 enclosing a letter limited degree you urge, might create the impression you wrote to the Chairman of the Federal Trade that the Commission is advocating one viewpoint or Commission charging the California State attempting to judge the truth *315 or falsity of Employees' Association with false and deceptivematerial being broadcast on either side of a currently advertising in support of Proposition 15 on the controversial issue -- a position which would be California ballot. inappropriate for the government licensing agency. You have asked this Commission to remind itsCommissioner H. Rex Lee absent. California licensees that they have a legal obligation to screen out all broadcast materials which are false BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMISSION, BEN F. and fraudulent and to remind them of their obligation WAPLE, Secretary. under the fairness doctrine. You state that Proposition 15 is unquestionably a controversial issue of public FCC importance under the fairness doctrine. 25 Rad. Reg. 2d (P & F) 887, 38 F.C.C.2d 314, 1972 As you know, the fairness doctrine requires a licensee WL 27031 (F.C.C.) which presents one side of a controversial issue of public importance to afford reasonable opportunity for the presentation of contrasting points of view. The END OF DOCUMENT Commission has made known its policy in this area (C) 2012 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works. 25 Rad. Reg. 2d (P & F) 887, 38 F.C.C.2d 314, 1972 WL 27031 (F.C.C.) Page 3 (C) 2012 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.