WASHINGTON -- CBS may have escaped congressional scrutiny into the controversy over allegedly forged documents at CBS News, but the chairman of the House Commerce Committee plans to examine newsroom operations following the election.

Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, told broadcasters Tuesday that he's concerned about accuracy in news broadcasts.

"Once the elections are over we're going to do some hearings," Barton said. He told the Maximum Service Television Assn. that he wants to examine "procedures and mechanisms to protect the First Amendment."

Barton said he did not anticipate writing a law to require news organizations to have ombudsmen or other requirements. But he plans to have the network news chiefs testify before his committee.

"It's going to be fair and balanced," he said.

Earlier, Barton rejected fellow Republicans' efforts to launch a congressional investigation into the memo controversy.