FCC chair denounces threats against broadcaster over Florida abortion referendum ad

FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen at the headquarters of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C.

(Reuters) – 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. “Threats against broadcast stations for airing content that conflicts with the government’s views are dangerous and undermine the fundamental principle of free speech.”

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler)