Court rulings or settlements reported in the media

DeSantis Administration Threatens Jail Time for TV Stations Over Amendment 4 Abortion Ad

Oct 8, 2024, 07:38 PM

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' administration has issued threats of criminal prosecution, including potential jail time, against local TV stations for airing an ad supporting Amendment 4, an abortion rights initiative on the November ballot. The Florida Department of Health sent cease and desist letters to the stations, claiming the ad contains false information. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel responded, emphasizing that broadcasters have First Amendment rights to air political speech. Critics have labeled the move as a significant abuse of power and an attack on free speech. The ad is sponsored by Yes4Florida.