FCC fines NBC for Olympic coverage
The FCC has imposed a hefty fine on NBC for repeatedly broadcasting
the word "snatch" during coverage of Olympic weightlifting
competition. Federal censors added that many viewers might
also be offended by the imagery evoked by the words "clean
and jerk."
FCC Chairman Michael Powell explained that the term "snatch"
is also used as slang for the female genitalia and "jerk"
is a word occasionally used to describe auto-erotic activity,
or masturbation in layman’s terms.
The weightlifting competition also features "more grunting
that you hear in most porn movies," said Powell, adding
of the Olympic Games in general, "What do you expect
from an event that used to be held in the nude."
Ukrainian weightlifter Vladimir Yankov admitted to moaning
and groaning throughout the competition, but said it is almost
impossible to compete at the Olympic level without emitting
the loud grunt that traditionally signals the successful climax
of the snatch.
Powell’s
crackdown may also target wrestling, which he said "appears
to be nothing more than two men rolling around on the floor,
grabbing each other to find out who’ll be the dominant one
and who will submit."
The FCC chief warned male swimmers and divers to avoid wearing
tiny Speedo trunks and said women’s beach volleyball is "one
wardrobe malfunction away from a big fine."
Powell, who may force NBC to blur the groin area of competitors
in the 100-meter race, said he cringes every time an announcer
speak of a gymnast "nailing her dismount" and is
still deciding whether commentators may say "pole vault"
on the air.