ABC is putting a five-second defensive line between the Super Bowl and television viewers.The delay, according to ABC, is the first-ever in the 40-year history of the Super Bowl.The tape delay, for the game itself as well as the pre-game, halftime and post-game entertainment, is an apparent echo of the Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" that marred the 2004 broadcast on CBS.
While ABC confirmed the broadcast delay, network officials who could explain when the decision was made and why were not immediately available, an ABC spokeswoman said Friday.
A tape delay was in place for the past two years of ABC's "Monday Night Football."
The decision drew immediate praise from the Parents Television Council, a media watchdog group. The halftime show this year features the Rolling Stones.
"ABC has wisely decided to ensure that this year's Super Bowl is not hijacked by raunchy performers as it was in 2004," said L. Brent Bozell, PTC president. "Now, we hope that millions of families can safely watch this family program without the worry of seeing inappropriate sexual content or hearing vulgar language."
