The Hartmann Report They Don't Know What They Don't Know
Feb 25, 2026
Sabrina Haake, a federal trial attorney with 20+ years defending First and Fourteenth Amendment cases and author of the Haake Take, argues for FCC oversight of one-sided media. She traces the Fairness Doctrine’s history, compares U.S. deregulation to UK accuracy rules, and examines media consolidation, Fox admissions, and legal paths to restore fairness in news.
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Fairness Doctrine's Loss Fueled Media Polarization
- The absence of enforced fairness in broadcast media helped create today's polarized information ecosystem.
- Sabrina Haake links the 1987 removal of fairness rules and corporate shifts to 24/7 right-wing propaganda outlets like Fox and Sinclair.
Equal Time Must Be Applied Equally
- Selective application of equal-time rules would violate the First Amendment and worsen bias.
- Haake warns Brendan Carr's plan to exempt right-wing outlets would be unconstitutional and deepen mayhem.
Push To Reinstate Fairness And Impartiality
- Restore fairness and accuracy requirements in broadcasting to rebuild a shared factual foundation.
- Haake recommends reviving doctrines like Red Lion-era rules and points to UK impartiality standards as a model.
