Because, after all, a live broadcast might accidentally catch a fan shouting an obscenity. And if it does, the broadcasting network might have to pony up $325K. At least that seems to be the direction that Nanny FCC is taking things:
In its continuing crackdown on on-air profanity, the FCC has requested numerous tapes from broadcasters that might include vulgar remarks from unruly spectators, coaches and athletes at live sporting events, industry sources said. Tapes requested by the commission include live broadcasts of football games and NASCAR races where the participants or the crowds let loose with an expletive.
While commission officials refused to talk about its requests, one broadcast company executive said the commission had asked for 30 tapes of live sports and news programs. “It looks like they want to end live broadcast TV,” said one executive, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity. “We already know that they aren’t afraid to go after news.”
While live programming always has been problematic for broadcasters, it has become even more difficult under tougher commission rules approved in 2004. The new rules found that virtually any use of certain expletives will be considered profane and indecent, even if it is a slip of the tongue.
Live sports — amateur, college and professional — have long been a broadcast programming staple. Broadcasters have spent enormous amounts of money and energy to come up with ways to give audiences a better feel for the action. As broadcasters vie for viewers, technical advances that include such things as on-field microphones and in-car cameras have become as important as the announcers.
“I don’t know how they are going to rule, but they asked us for tapes with a specific emphasis on crowd noise,” said another TV executive, who also requested anonymity. “If some bozo in the crowd calls the ref an asshole, the commission is asking for a copy of the tape.”
Well! It’s good to know that somebody is making certain that I don’t inadvertently hear someone use a naughty word while I watch a NASCAR race or a football game! My little ears might be offended! Thank heavens my tax dollars are being used for something so useful and worthwhile!
Now, pardon me while I utter a few choice vulgarisms of my own …
(via Los Amigos)