CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A political advertisement airing on ABC stations nationwide purchased by presidential candidate Randall Terry has prompted calls and messages to the KIII newsroom.
Terry, an anti-abortion rights advocate, designed the graphic ad to feature images of aborted fetuses.
Despite the upsetting footage, KIII and ABC are legally obligated to air the ad because the Federal Communications Commission states that TV stations are "prohibited from censoring or rejecting political ads that are paid for and sponsored by legally qualified candidates."
Viewers are encouraged to reach out to the FCC with concerns.
Terry is on the ballot in 12 states, qualifying him nationally as a presidential candidate representing the Constitutional Party. He is not on the ballot in Texas.
KIII has no control over the ad, nor where it is run. It was purchased through ABC and will air during shows such as "The View," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and ABC News Tonight with David Muir."
A disclaimer also runs before the ad begins, stating:
The following is a paid political advertisement, and the ABC Television Network is required to carry it by federal law. The advertisement contains scenes that may be disturbing to children. Viewer discretion is advised.
And this one runs after the ad:
The preceding was a paid political advertisement that the ABC Television Network was required to carry under federal law. The advertisement contained scenes that may be disturbing to viewers.
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