Good on yer, Mr President

I have criticized the president for many things, but fair is fair: when his administration does something good, I should not ignore it. And in this case, it is the Federal Communications Commission scrapping 83 rules and regulations regarding use of the public airwaves.

FCC finally kills off fairness doctrine - Brooks Boliek - POLITICO.com

Biggest thing to celebrate:

The FCC gave the coup de grace to the fairness doctrine Monday as the commission axed more than 80 media industry rules.

Earlier this summer FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski agreed to erase the post WWII-era rule, but the action Monday puts the last nail into the coffin for the regulation that sought to ensure discussion over the airwaves of controversial issues did not exclude any particular point of view. A broadcaster that violated the rule risked losing its license.

Why lay the credit at President Obama's feet?

Monday’s move is part of the commission’s response to a White House executive order directing a “government-wide review of regulations already on the books” designed to eliminate unnecessary regulations.

Also consigned to the regulatory dustbin are the “broadcast flag” digital copy protection rule that was struck down by the courts and the cable programming service tier rate. Altogether, the agency tossed 83 rules and regs.

So a laurel and hearty handshake to you, Mr. President.