FCC Reviews 'Desperate Housewives' Football Promo
Publish Date : 11/18/200
The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday reviewed complaints about
ABC's steamy "Desperate Housewives" promotion before "Monday
Night Football" and while the agency's chairman expressed disappointment, it was
not clear whether government would tackle the network.
Although the FCC plans to fine 20 CBS affiliates for its live telecast of the Super Bowl
halftime show this year in which Janet Jackson bared her breast, agency chief Michael
Powell was measured in his comments about the seductive prime-time "Desperate
Housewives" promo.
"First of all, as a legal matter, whether it's a problem is yet to be determined. We
only respond to complaints and evaluate them fairly and make a decision," Powell
said in an interview with CNBC.
"But I think it's very disappointing. I wonder if Walt Disney would be proud,"
Powell added.
ABC, a unit of Walt Disney Co., apologized on Tuesday for running the spot for its red hot
drama about hanky panky in suburbia as an introduction to its premier football game watched
weekly by millions.
The FCC has been cracking down on broadcast radio and television stations for explicit
sexual discussions and other incidents that are aired when children are likely to be watching
or listening.
The network acknowledged receiving numerous viewer complaints for the segment that
featured "Housewives" star Nicolette Sheridan making a very forward pass at
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens in a locker room.
In a parody of her show, Sheridan appears wrapped in a towel and beckons the player to
skip his game for her. Although no nudity is shown, it is implied when Sheridan drops the
towel to the floor and jumps into Owens's arms.
ABC said placement of the promo was inappropriate and the NFL also criticized the piece
as unsuitable for its audience.
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