ANTIABORTION ADVERTISING AND ACCESS TO THE AIRWAVES - A PUBLIC-INTEREST DOCTRINE DILEMMA

In September 1996 a federal appeals court ruled that broadcasters cann ot refuse daytime or prime time television federal candidates' politic al advertisements containing abortion images. Broadcasters argued the advertisements were harmful to children and, thus, should be restricte d. This article explores this public interest dilemma involving two co mpeting interests: the concern for the welfare of children and the pub lic interest in informed political debate. This article also discusses implications of the court decision.