A bleep censor is used to filter out "inappropriate" audio content during a live broadcast and replace it with a bleep signal or (sometimes) just silence.

The bleep censor is a software module, manually operated by a broadcast technician, which puts a nominal (usually five to ten seconds) broadcast delay on the live content, thus providing the broadcaster time to censor the audio (and video) feed. A bleep is sometimes accompanied by a digital blurring of the speaker's mouth, in case it is obvious what he or she is saying even if you can't hear it.

In the United States the Federal Communications Commission has the constitutional right to regulate indecent broadcasts. However, the FCC does not actively monitor television broadcasts for indecency violations, nor does it keep a record of television broadcasts. It relies exclusively on documented indecency complaints from television viewers. The FCC is allowed to enforce indecency laws between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

While audio censoring has received increased attention in recent years, such as in the second half of an episode of Arthur , video censoring became an issue following an incident involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake during the live broadcast of the Super Bowl XXXVIII, in which Jackson's bare breast was revealed. In an effort to avoid a repeat, CBS decided to use tape-delay for the Grammys 2004. In February 2004 ABC announced it will impose a video and audio delay on the annual Oscar to safeguard viewers from any obscenities. At the same time, CBC imposed a 7-second broadcast delay on commentator Don Cherry's Coach's Corner program.

See also Radio edit

External links

• CNN.com: CBS to use 'enhanced' tape-delay for Grammys
• CNN.com: ABC to impose delay on Oscar telecast
• Parents Television Council: How the Federal Communications Commission Has Failed the Public