Florida's Department of Health has stirred controversy by warning local TV stations of potential criminal charges for airing a campaign ad aimed at overturning the state's six-week abortion ban signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The move has been criticized as an abuse of power by critics.
The Republican-controlled state agency's unusual warning prompted the Democratic chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to intervene. Jessica Rosenworcel, the FCC chair, emphasized that broadcasters should not be intimidated for airing political ads, asserting that the right to free speech is protected by the First Amendment.
Rosenworcel's statement in support of the stations is significant, considering that the FCC oversees broadcast station licenses nationwide. The Florida Department of Health cited local statutes in cease-and-desist letters sent to WCJB in Gainesville and WFLA in Tampa.
The conflict stems from the political battle over Amendment 4, a ballot measure seeking to enshrine abortion rights in Florida's constitution. Governor DeSantis' administration has actively campaigned against the amendment, including running its own TV ads.
Despite the FCC's rebuke, the health department did not provide an immediate response, and the local stations declined to comment. Nevertheless, both WCJB and WFLA continued to air the controversial ads on Tuesday, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding the issue.
