What Montana Loses Without the Fairness Doctrine

Imagine a radio news segment that says, “American farmers should be able to feed the nation without imports.”

Without context, this sounds patriotic. Under the Fairness Doctrine broadcasters were compelled to present a fuller picture.

If the Fairness Doctrine still existed, broadcasters would be required to present contrasting views. Viewers would hear not only from ranchers, but also from economists, trade experts, and farmers who know the U.S. agriculture system depends on international inputs and global markets.

This doctrine was repealed in 1987 and since then, facts have taken a backseat to feelings. Complexity is replaced with certainty. The loss of objectivity affects the choices rural voters make about trade, about farm subsidies, and about which leaders they trust.

In Montana, where agriculture is central to the economy and identity of many communities, the loss of media balance has led to real consequences on the ground.

Rural residents may hear only one version of events, especially when relying on talk radio or cable news for information. Without journalistic standards requiring fairness and accuracy, emotional rhetoric often takes the place of fact.

The truth is, our agricultural industry in Montana, and so many other industries across the nation, cannot exist without global trade.

Many American farms rely on imported fertilizer from countries like Morocco and Russia. Over 90% of seafood eaten in the U.S. is imported. Most commodity growers, especially in Montana, depend on exports to keep prices viable.

Even our tractors use parts made overseas.

Under the Fairness Doctrine, a segment claiming “America doesn’t need to import food,” would not be broadcast in isolation. The station would be obligated to include additional perspectives, particularly if the claim related to national food security, trade policy, or agriculture subsidies.

In Montana, where radio and cable news often dominate, voters in towns like Circle or Conrad may hear only one angle for hours without ever learning that the food system is more complex than “we should only grow our own.”

When rural communities are fed emotional claims rather than facts, we lose the ability to make sound decisions about trade, food security, and farm policy.

We may not be able to revive the Fairness Doctrine as it once was, but we can demand higher standards for truth, transparency, and accountability in the media we consume and in the leadership we elect.

Montanans don’t shy away from hard truths. We face them and we act when we need to protect the future of agriculture in this state.

How do we start fixing the mess we’re in?

We need media that reflects the full truth, as well as leaders who will fight for it.

Demanding accountability, restoring public trust, and ensuring that Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and consumers get the facts are my priorities.