Final answer:
The equal-time rule, part of the fairness doctrine, required broadcasters to provide both sides of a controversial issue with equal airtime.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equal-time rule, part of the fairness doctrine, required broadcasters to provide both sides of a controversial issue with equal airtime. This means that if one candidate or supporter was given an opportunity to reach viewers or listeners, the opposing candidate or supporter should also be given a chance to present their side. The fairness doctrine aimed to ensure a balanced approach to covering controversial issues, but it ended in the 1980s due to court cases and arguments that it limited debate and imposed government control.