I’ve heard Saddam referred to as a “fuck” during recent war coverage, and, if PBS counts as broadcast, full frontal nudity (female) in the case of a few artists models on “Egg”.
I’ve asked about this before, but I’m actually more curious if any audible bodily functions slipped out (I’m not counting the coughing fit Chris Jansing had about a month ago).
I’ve only been in the US a few years, so maybe some American Dopers can answer this question for me.
Last week i was watching one of those “Funniest Moments of TV Game Shows” specials, and quite a few of the clips were from the Newlywed Game, and were obviously from the seventies, and even the sixties. It seems to me that far more risque material made it onto the airwaves back then, if this show is any indication. Sure, they weren’t showing as much skin as you see on Survivor or Blind Date nowdays, but much of the talk was about sex, breast size, etc., etc., and seemd to be a lot less inhibited than current shows. Did Newlywed Game run on network TV? And if so, what time was it on?
If swearing is allowed on TV, just not done in practice much, does the same rule apply to radio? I’ve often heard DJs say the station gets fined if someone says the wrong words.
There was a storyline on LA Law years ago about Brackman reconciling with his ex-wife. One of the points was that he had a problem with audible bodily functions during intimate moments. And yes, it was heard.
Before a TV station or a radio station can be fined for broadcasting indecency (i.e. swearing), people first have to complain to the FCC. Also, “indecency” is permitted between 10 pm and 6 am.
Heh, I saw that too. 
Woman: “…how would you spell ‘Relief’?”
Geeky guy: “…[giggle]…F-A-R-T…” (What the hell was he thinking?)
Yeah, it was on network/syndication in the daytime. At least, it was during my existence. Maybe there were more double entendres because PC wasn’t widely known back then?
My first initiation to this was when I first moved to England. I was flipping channels one night and came across a documentary on the penis covering such critical issues as, “How to Properly Measure the Penis”. Penises, penises everywhere. My flatmate and I just sat and gawked. Another night there was a whole show on Breast Implants. More tits than a titty bar.
And yet strangely, most of the sex scenes between Buffy and Spike were edited out of the episodes. The only explanation I can come up with is that the BBC seems to see Buffy as a kids’ show, and it airs before threshold. Since threshold is technically 9:00, they can show all the penises and boobies they want after 9, but no Buffy/Spike action at 8. A bit OT, I suppose.
I’m sure American TV will catch up eventually, but I hope they do set up a threshold time the way the Brits have.
It’s hard to reconcile all these contradictions, particularly the noted one between ads and regular programming. One of my favorites regarding this silliness is Comedy Central. They air South Park, on which the characters say and do pretty much everything. Then again, the same network bleeps out everything up to and including “god” (when it’s used as a profanity) and rather heavily edits broadcasts of movies, even in fairly tame situations. The most I can say is that when it comes to sex and swearing, most of my fellow Americans are nuts. 
Well, a good 20 years ago, I saw Ed Flanders drop his pants “On St. Elsewhere,” exposing his bare butt, and tell Ronnie Cox to kiss it!
Just my luck, I thought at the time, I finally get to see nudity on prime time TV, and it has to be HIM!
Even then, there was no law or standard network policy forbidding nudity- shows just chose not to risk public wrath by showing it.
This morning I turned on the TV to a local morning show-- and there was a gorgeous naked woman being bodypainted. Now that’s how you should start a Monday!
Helen of troy had A and some see thru outfits. I’ve also heard H, D, and A on commericals.