Live and let live

Sporting News, The, March 1, 2004 by Fritz Quindt

* Live and let live: Should sports be broadcast on 5-second delay, just to be "safe"? Nyet. That would be an overreaction, like reinstating Up With People as halftime entertainment.

Actually, television broadcasters are voluntarily complying to keep our live air clean. As (not) seen at the Super Bowl: Streakers don't get camera time. Participants aren't miked live during baffles, and parabolic microphones are treated like grenades.

Producers and everyday consumers don't want delays. Nor do networks, which would have to buy, implement and staff new equipment. Nor fans, who sometimes watch games on TV while listening on radio.

E-mail: fquindt@sportingnews.com.