The bleep censor is a software module, manually operated by a broadcast technician, which puts a five-second broadcast delay on the live content, thus providing the broadcaster time to censor the audio (and video) feed.

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, 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. Also in February 2004, CBC imposed a 7-second broadcast delay on commentator Don Cherry's Coach's Corner program.

External links: