Congressman Lamar Smith

Representing the 21st District of Texas

Media Fairness Caucus

Like many Americans, I have become increasingly concerned about unfair reporting by the national news media. The purpose of the Media Fairness Caucus (MFC) is not to censor or condemn, but to encourage the media to adhere to the highest standards of reporting and provide the American people with the facts, balanced stories and fair coverage of the news.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “The only security of all is in a free press.” The Media Fairness Caucus (MFC) will strongly support a free press and not condone any form of censorship. Instead, we will examine the causes of one-sided reporting, develop strategies to combat media bias, promote an open dialogue between members of the media and elected officials, and remind the media of their profound obligation to provide the American people with the facts. We will avoid personal attacks or gratuitous criticism of media representatives.

Goals of the MFC center on stressing the need for objective and fair reporting. We will focus on finding better ways for elected officials and the media to communicate openly in order to encourage fairness and balance in reporting. In addition, we will point out biased coverage in a fair and reasonable way.

To find out more about media fairness, please visit the Media Research Center’s website by clicking here or Accuracy in Media's website by clicking here. Also, please feel free to visit the website of the Co-Chairs, Rep. Vicky Hartzler and Rep. Alex Mooney.

For more information or to get involved, please contact James Danford on my staff at 202-225-6371 or James.Danford@mail.house.gov.

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12.06.16 MFC Newsletter FINAL.pdf