How did we used to separate fact from fiction in the United States?

There was an FCC rule that was enacted in the 1930's called the FAIRNESS DOCTRINE. It guaranteed that news reporting on radio and television would be fair and unbiased. It was rescinded under the Reagan administration in the 1980's and we have gone to hell in a handbasket ever since. Until we get back to laws requiring fair and unbiased reporting in ALL news media, including the internet, we are going to be going around and around in circles. There is a purpose for federal government. It is not always the problem. Separating fact from fiction is a needed law. I urge you to write to your representatives and insist that the FAIRNESS DOCTRINE be reinstated. Only that way can we as a nation begin to have discourse and debate on any of these subjects that is based upon a solid set of facts. I agree that cable news is slanted. All of it. And that there is no FCC regulation of the internet. That has to stop. Reporting has unofficially kept the three branches of government in check. We need facts to be separated from opinion and propaganda. Then we can move forward as a united nation again and eliminate the paranoia that comes from not knowing who is telling the truth.