Canadian TV Snafu- way beyond Janet

The Canadian network Showcase, a specialty arts channel which shares programming with networks like Showtime and HBO, had an embarassing few moments this morning. As I was walking by my TV, I saw a hardcore gay porn photo on the screen. Apparently, this was aired during a commercial for a gay-themed show. I'm told other photos aired as well. At 9 a.m., I was also told, the network aired a scrolled apology for the "unsuitable" pictures that were broadcast. Apparently, someone at the network decided to have a little fun and insert the pictures while the gay-themed commercial aired.

 

Joel,

While living in Toronto a few years ago...there was a big scandal because a porno flick aired on CBC during SESAME STREET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bon dieu, mais no?

 

A couple of local stations in Kentucky (or maybe it was just one station) had similar snafus a few years ago. Apparently an engineer was entertaining himself in the master control room and briefly, the porn got switched into the broadcast feed. I actually recorded one of the incidents, because it happened on a commercial break during the "Who shot Mr. Burns?" Simpson's season premiere. D'oh!

 

After an evening Washington Redskins game ten or so years ago, one of the local affiliates broadcast live from the team's locker room. While the commentators attempted to analyze the game and conduct interviews, several naked football players strolled unaware in front of the camera, some giving the viewing audience the "Full Monty."

For whatever reason, the station soldiered on through the segment, instead of immediately deciding this wasn't going to work. What made it especially memorable is that when they cut back to the D.C. studio, the women broadcasters had the giggles.

 

A similar thing happened in the Dallas Cowboys locker room last year or the year before.

 

A man being interviewed about a murder said the "S" word live on our local news the other night. I did a classic double take!

Evan

 

Great Broadcaster Comeback

During a Mets game on FOX, a player was miked to give that "inside" feel.
At bat, when the player struck out in a very tense situation, he screamed: "F---" and threw his bat. Then there was only a long silence. Minutes later there was a sheepish close-up of announcer Tim McGarver who just shrugged, and said, "It's live. What do you expect?"

 

Language on TV doesn't shock me anymore. I've seen too many episodes of ER!

The only time I have ever seen frontal nudity on network broadcast television is about twelve years ago when some morning show demonstrated a breast examination live on the air. Big deal!

 

On a bit of a side note, .. I was casually watching this show today, 'Dead Like Me' (I thought it was OK, btw) and I did several double-takes at what I thought were f-bombs here and there.

Is my hearing wrong, or.. ?

 

Oh yeah, that's what I want to see first thing in the morning with my cereal and milk!

 

Evan,
Here in Canada, the national newscasts (like your 6:30 broadcasts with Brokaw, Rather, etc) have for some years not bleeped either the F-word, S-word, BS-word, etc. On Saturday, one of the party leaders running in the federal election next Monday (Jack Layton of the New Democrats) said "We've got to put an end to this bulls**t" in response to the claims of one of his opponents, and on many newscasts (especially after 8 p.m.), it was not bleeped.

You'd be shocked with how liberal television and the media is up here (as in permissive).

Cliff