Board Members Debate “Commitment to Truth” in Media Resolution

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026

Article Summary: A proposal to demand the reinstatement of the “Fairness Doctrine” for news media sparked a philosophical debate on the role of government in journalism during the Legislative Committee meeting. While the specific resolution was withdrawn, members agreed to include a general statement supporting honest reporting in the federal agenda.

Media Resolution Key Points:

• Proposal: Member Daniel Butler proposed a resolution urging the federal reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine and the repeal of the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act to combat polarized media.

• Committee Concerns: Members questioned who would enforce such standards and whether it fell within the county’s scope.

• Outcome: The specific resolution was shelved in favor of adding a general line item to the federal agenda supporting “honest, responsible reporting.”

JOLIET, Ill. — Will County Board Member Daniel Butler (R-Frankfort) introduced a proposal on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, urging federal legislators to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine to ensure news media outlets present opposing viewpoints.

Butler argued that changes to federal law in 1987 and 2012 have led to a polarized media landscape where residents are fed “half-truths” and propaganda.

“It’s these two changes in our law that have led us to where we are now… where people watch the news, they want to trust it… but they have no other point of view,” Butler said.

Other committee members expressed skepticism about the enforceability of such a request. Member Dawn Bullock (D-Plainfield) questioned the mechanics of the proposal.

“Who’s enforcing it?” Bullock asked. “If there’s nothing behind it that’s going to hold accountability… I don’t know that it’s going to make a difference.”

Member Kelly Hickey (D-Naperville) raised concerns about “mission creep,” noting that the county legislative agenda should focus on issues specifically impacting Will County operations.

“I don’t know that it impacts our county any differently than it does the rest of the nation,” Hickey said.

Member Herbert Brooks Jr. (D-Joliet) added that legislation cannot force truthfulness, stating he relies on his own wisdom to “determine between the truth and a lie.”

Following the debate, the committee agreed not to advance a specific resolution but to include a general statement in the federal legislative agenda supporting honest and responsible reporting.