Recently on the Bill Press radio show, the tens of people who make up the Air America listening audience were treated to Sen. Debbie Stabenow and her promise to hold hearings to restore “balance” to the airwaves.

After Press asked whether it was time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine, Stabenow replied, “I think it’s absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it’s called the Fairness Standard, whether it’s called something else — I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves.”

The Michigan senator then babbled about the new prez and his “accountability and transparency,” noting that “in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.”

Press then pressed her about holding hearings in the U.S. Senate this year, to which she indicated that she would conduct hearings and have radio station owners subpoenaed to testify so that the Senate could determine why people tune in Rush Limbaugh and tune out Air America.

This is just a sneaky way of getting the old Fairness Doctrine back without Dems having to admit what they’re really up to.

Now Obama’s appointees to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can, on their own, apply to the licenses of radio stations something called “localism” regulations.

The end result of localism will essentially be the same as the suppressive effect of the Fairness Doctrine. The FCC will have the power to revoke a station's license and will be able to use the strong-arm tactic to control a station’s content.

Stations that would fail to serve “needs of minority groups” in their communities (however selectively defined) would be in danger of license revocation.

To put even greater pressure on station owners, the Obama administration plans to alter the broadcast license renewal period, taking it down from eight years to two.

Obama is on record for being in favor of localism.

The individual in charge of FCC transition matters is Henry Rivera, former chairman of the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council, a known supporter of localism.

The insidious threat to free speech is coming our way. Get ready to let your voice be heard and grab a satellite radio just in case.