FCC requires WNEM-TV5 to broadcast paid political ad

SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) - The Federal Communications Commission requires WNEM-TV5 to broadcast a paid political ad from anti-abortion rights activist Randall Terry who is running for president.

According to the FCC, regarding political ad content, "Broadcast stations are prohibited from censoring or rejecting political ads that are paid for and sponsored by legally qualified candidates."

The commission goes on to say this non-censorship provision doesn't apply to political ads that are sponsored by non-candidate third parties. According to it's website, the FCC generally does not:

Review or pre-approve the content of political ads before they are broadcast.

Ensure the accuracy of statements that are made by candidates and issue advertisers.

Require broadcast stations and other regulatees to provide all sides of controversial issues.

Oversee the nature and extent of the coverage that individual candidates receive under the news exemption.

For more about the FCC's policy on political programming,.

"Randall Terry has met the standard to be a legally qualified candidate. We are required by the FCC to air his ads. We have taken the measure to add a disclaimer to air before and after the advertisement warning viewers of images that may be disturbing to viewers," said Ken Frierson, WNEM vice president and general manager.

You can email Ken Frierson at