Department
Communications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 1996
Abstract
Candidates wanting to air advertisements containing graphic depictions of aborted fetuses presented television stations with a dilemma. Sections 312(a)(7) and 315(a) of the Communications Act prevent broadcasters from censoring or restricting the political advertisements of legally qualified candidates seeking federal office. Under the United States Criminal Code, broadcasting material deemed indecent may result in penalties. Also, the Federal Communications Commission and courts have expressed concern about "harm to children" caused by televised material. While the FCC disagreed with a district court judge's ruling that political ads containing depictions of aborted fetuses were indecent, it did affirm a broadcast licensee's right to "channel" such ads to a time of day when children are less likely to be in the audience. This provides broadcasters, for the first time, with some editorial discretion during federal election seasons. However, by not giving broadcasters control over advertising enjoyed by other media, the FCC may have encouraged candidates to further test the limits of Sections 312 and 315.
Publication Title
Communication Law & Policy
Publisher Statement
Copyright 1996 Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
DOI
https://10.1080/10811689609368598
Recommended Citation
Ozmun, David, "Abortion and Harm to Children: Limits on Television Political Advertisements" (1996). Articles. 124.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/articles/124
Included in
Broadcast and Video Studies Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Public Relations and Advertising Commons