Complaint filed with FCC alleges WISN, WTMJ radio bias on recall (Wisconsin)

Complaint filed with FCC alleges WISN, WTMJ radio bias on recall

A liberal watchdog group has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission, charging that bias demonstrated by local radio hosts violates something called the Zapple Doctrine, requiring equal time not just for candidates but their supporters.

The complaint by the Media Action Center charges that shows hosted by Mark Belling, Vicki McKenna and Jay Weber on WISN-AM (1130), a Clear Channel Communications station, and Charlie Sykes and Jeff Wagner on Journal Communications station WTMJ-AM (620) demonstrated pro-Scott Walker bias in violation of the doctrine.

Officials at both stations declined comment.

The regulation requires that in the 60 days prior to an election, stations must provide comparable airtime to both major political parties.

However, since Zapple was a byproduct of the Fairness Doctrine, which was taken off the books in 2011, it is unclear whether it still applies.

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