Florida Government vs WFLA-TV

[e-dawg]

Is this legal? Can Florida government arrest and force tv stations to remove political ads because of false information?

Ron DeSantis’ Administration Is Threatening to Prosecute the Media for Airing Pro-Choice Ads

Department of Health sends cease and desist letter to TV station over abortion ad

'Here, the Department is threatening the station with criminal prosecution if it does not cease running the Advertisement.'

floridapolitics.com

DeSantis Administration Threatens Tampa Station for Airing Abortion Rights Ad

The Health Department wants the ad taken down in 24 hours.

www.adweek.com

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

WFLA-TV is right to air the ad between local news segments. Also this ad is not just a Nexstar issue only in Florida. I bet even WFLA-TV's competitors have done the same thing and air ads that the Desantis administration does not want aired.
Why DeSantis administration targeted WFLA Specifically is yet to be seen here.

 

[TheBigA]

Is this legal? Can Florida government arrest and force tv stations to remove political ads because of false information?

My view is that the state doesn't have standing to sue. It's very questionable legal grounds. The question is does the station want to challenge.

Some great comments after the Florida Politics article.