The World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees is currently underway, capturing the attention of millions of viewers both in the United States and internationally. However, some fans are also encountering graphic and offensive political advertisements during the broadcasts. Although some of these ads are prefaced with broadcaster warnings, there is little that can be done about their presence.
One of these advertisements, aired during a recent World Series game, featured graphic images of fetuses, accompanied by a message declaring “Abortion is murder. Don’t vote for Kamala.” This ad was funded by Randall Terry, a well-known anti-abortion activist and founder of Operation Rescue, a group known for protesting outside healthcare facilities. Terry is also a presidential candidate representing the Constitution Party, although he will only appear on ballots in select states.
Some television stations have expressed displeasure over airing such advertisements. Fox, for example, issued a warning to viewers about the graphic nature of the ad, stating that federal law mandates the network to broadcast ads funded by a legally qualified candidate for public office. A Fox affiliate in Kansas City published an online editorial note cautioning viewers about Terry’s ads and clarifying the reasons for airing them during programming, as reported by ABC News.
Randall Terry has utilized this regulation to his advantage, as evidenced by a previous attempt to broadcast similar graphic anti-abortion ads during the 2012 Super Bowl. In that instance, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) determined that a Chicago TV station was not required to air Terry’s ad, as he did not qualify as a legitimate presidential candidate. The FCC noted that major events like the Super Bowl, with limited ad space, might not accommodate every candidate’s airtime needs, and stations are only required to provide “reasonable access” to airtime.
In addition to Terry’s anti-abortion ad, other controversial advertisements have been aired, including one from Donald Trump’s campaign, which criticized transgender women by describing them as “biological men” competing against “our girls” in sports.
The tone of these advertisements is considered jarring due to their placement within a family-friendly event such as a baseball game. The Washington Post reported that other ads by Terry have been shown on ABC during programs like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The View.”
Broadcast television remains one of the few media platforms in the United States subject to the equal time rule, reflecting its role as a public trust licensed to use limited and valuable spectrum.
Simultaneously, in Florida, officials have been attempting to prevent local stations from showing ads promoting abortion access. These advertisements focus on Amendment 4, a ballot initiative that Florida voters will soon consider, which aims to overturn the state’s six-week abortion ban. In response, Florida state officials, including Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, issued letters to local TV stations demanding they halt the ads and threatened legal consequences. However, a federal judge recently intervened, barring state officials from continuing their threats against the stations.