Two public access TV producers sue over suspensions

By Times Staff
Published February 1, 2005

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TAMPA - Two former show producers at Hillsborough County's public access television station have sued its operators, saying their suspensions violated the First Amendment.

Jean and Arleen Batronie produced two shows that station operators temporarily canceled because of alleged rule violations.

Jean Batronie had her show about sadomasochistic techniques pulled early last year after the station bosses concluded it was being sponsored by a company she owns, among other rule violations. She is banned from producing a show at the station for four years.

Arleen Batronie lost her show for four months after Jean Batronie's voice was used on her program. At the time, Jean Batronie was a candidate for Hillsborough County Commission, and station operators say the pair needed to notify other candidates in her race to allow them equal time.

Both say the charges that led to their suspensions were bogus and that they were singled out because station operators did not like the content of their shows. The station is backed by taxpayer dollars and some of the more risque shows it runs by independent citizen producers have rankled Hillsborough commissioners - particularly Batronie's political opponent, Ronda Storms.

"Anyone and everyone is welcome to come down to the station and view the records with regard to the way that these producers' suspensions were handled, and decide for themselves what they think about it," said Louise Thompson, who directs the station.

Jean and Arleen Batronie have been married for several years. Jean Batronie had a sex-change operation two years ago.