28/22 NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The editorial staff would like to explain the circumstances surrounding a controversial graphic political advertisement that has been and will be airing on our stations.
The ad in question is from presidential candidate Randall Terry and his running mate, Pastor Stephen Broden. The anti-abortion ad features very graphic and disturbing imagery, and the ads have been purchased to run on both WBRE (NBC) and WYOU (CBS).
According to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) rules, of which both stations are required to follow, it is illegal to block or modify these ads.
While Terry is not on the ballot in Pennsylvania, he meets the FCC’s requirement for a “legally qualified candidate” nationally, which allows him to air his paid commercials on the NBC and CBS networks.
“Broadcast stations are prohibited from censoring or rejecting political ads that are paid for and sponsored by legally qualified candidates,” states the FCC’s Fact Sheet on the matter.
Citizens who have concerns regarding the content of this ad are encouraged to contact the Federal Communications Commission for further information.
