US FCC blasts Florida agency's threats against broadcaster over ad on abortion referendum

Source: Reuters

October 8, 2024 5:20 PM EDT Updated 11 hours ago


WASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel on Tuesday denounced threats made by a Florida agency against broadcast TV stations for airing advertisements in support of an abortion rights referendum.

"The right of broadcasters to speak freely is rooted in the First Amendment," Rosenworcel said in a statement who overseas the agency that regulates broadcast networks. "Threats against broadcast stations for airing content that conflicts with the government’s views are dangerous and undermine the fundamental principle of free speech."

Rosenworcel cited a media report that said the Florida Department of Health had sent letters to broadcast stations saying the advertisement "is categorically false." The state agency disputed the ad's claim that Florida law does not allow physicians to perform abortions necessary to preserve the health or life of pregnant women.

The Florida agency's letter suggested the stations could face criminal charges for airing the ad. It said First Amendment free speech rights of TV stations do not "include free rein to disseminate false advertisements which, if believed, would likely have a detrimental effect on the lives and health of pregnant women in Florida."

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fcc-chair-denounces-threats-against-broadcaster-over-florida-abortion-referendum-2024-10-08/