Will T.O. promo be a TKO for ABC?

It appears that someone in the promotions department at ABC was orbiting in the international space station for much of this year as those of us back on planet Earth were watching CBS be put through the wringer for having Janet Jackson flash her breast during the Super Bowl halftime show. What other possible explanation could there be for what aired during the pre-game show to ABC's "Monday Night Football' this week?

The promo for the hit series "Desperate Housewifes" that had actress Nicollete Sheridan dropping her towel (apparently all she was wearing) and jumping into the arms of Philadelphia Eagles receiver Terrell Owens. Although she was seen only from behind and from the waist up once the towel dropped, many viewers were upset that the sexy scene aired when so many children were likely to be watching.

"We have heard from many of our viewers about last night's Monday Night Football opening segment, and we agree that the placement was inappropriate. We apologize," ABC said in a statement.

Already displeased by the bad rap one network, CBS, had brought to its normally family-friendly product, the NFL was also upset. "ABC's opening was inappropriate and unsuitable for our Monday Night Football audience. While ABC may have gained attention for one of its other shows, the NFL and its fans lost," the league said.

Caught in the middle was Owens' team, which consented to his appearance. "After seeing the final piece, we wish it hadn't aired," the Philadelphia Eagles said in its statement on the issue.

A wing of American Family Association has organized the traditional emailing campaign, although in the instance the FCC is not involved. "Although we believe this incident would not garner FCC indecency action," says the campaign at the OneMillionMoms website, "you can still let your feelings be known to Terrell Owens, the Philadelphia Eagles organization, and ABC."

On the other side of the fence, BuzzMachine blogger Jeff Jarvis wrote, "I'm going to start a site that allows all us sane, normal, red-blooded Americans to send thank-you notes to the networks - - and the FCC - - every time there's a hint of sex or colorful language on broadcast."

RBR observation:
As you might expect, several complaints have been filed with the FCC. Even in the current hyper-sensitive environment, it's hard to imagine how the Commission could find that a bare back violates its decency standard - - but you never know. At the very least, the display of poor taste has been noticed by FCC Chairman Michael Powell. "I wonder if Walt Disney would be proud?" he said, when asked about the incident in a CNBC interview.

If AFA is correct, ABC may be able to breathe easy this time. It looks like the anti-indecency team has decided not to blitz, and to simply drop back into a zone defense. However, they are making it clear that they're watching, if not 24/7, than certainly during the hours between 6AM-10PM when safe harbor is shut down.