Final answer:
The fairness doctrine was an FCC policy that required broadcasters to present balanced and equitable viewpoints on controversial issues. It was eliminated in 1987 on the grounds that it was no longer necessary and possibly conflicting with free speech rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fairness doctrine was a policy introduced by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1949. This doctrine required that broadcasters present controversial issues of public importance in a manner that was honest, equitable, and balanced. It was believed that by doing so, the public would be exposed to a diversity of viewpoints. The doctrine was based on the idea that broadcast frequencies were scarce resources managed in the public interest and licensees had an obligation to ensure that their broadcasts served that interest. However, in 1987 the FCC abolished the fairness doctrine, with the opinion that due to the many media voices in the market, the doctrine was no longer necessary and it was also seen as potentially inhibiting broadcasters' free speech rights.