Conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists... It's a fascinating social and psychological phenomenon and of course some of them are just fun or funny... but many people believe them very seriously.. and I wondered why America is so prone to and enamoured with the conspiracy theory?
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/why-are-so-many-americans-in-the-thrall-of-conspiracy-theorists-a6775921.html
https://newrepublic.com/article/138033/trump-supporters-susceptible-conspiracy-theories
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-people-believe-in-conspiracy-theories/
The FAIRNESS DOCTRINE was a policy of the United States Federal Communications Commission, introduced in 1949, that required the holders of broadcast licenses both to present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was — in the Commission's view — honest, equitable, and balanced. The FCC, which was believed to have been under pressure from then President Ronald Reagan, eliminated the Doctrine in 1987. The FCC formally removed the language that implemented the Doctrine, in August of 2011.
The Fairness Doctrine had two basic elements: It required broadcasters to devote some of their airtime to discussing controversial matters of public interest, and to air contrasting views regarding those matters. Stations were given wide latitude as to how to provide contrasting views: It could be done through news segments, public affairs shows, or editorials. The doctrine did not require equal time for opposing views but required that contrasting viewpoints be presented. The demise of this FCC rule has been considered by some to be a contributing factor for the rising level of party polarization in the United States.
goody