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MSNBC Slaps Tape Delay on Scarborough

Parenting groups applaud response to Morning Joe's F-bomb

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 12, 2008 10:06 AM CST

(Newser) – MSNBC is putting a 7-second muzzle on Joe Scarborough, after the Morning Joe host accidentally uttered the F-word during Monday’s show. Though cable networks are immune from FCC decency rules, MSNBC confirmed that it was instituting the delay to prevent a repeat incident and noted it had done the same thing for Don Imus when his gums flapped a little to wide.

The Parents Television Council applauded the move. “Millions of families are grateful for MSNBC’s decision to try to prevent inappropriate language from airing,” said a spokesman, who added that “NBC should follow suit with the Today Show and its other live programming.” Jane Fonda let slip a different not-so-nice epithet in an interview on that show this year.

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This March 30, 2006 file photo shows MSNBC on air personality Joe Scarborough in New York. (AP Photo/MSNBC, Carig Blankenhorn,File)

Former Congressman Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," speaks during a taping of "Meet the Press" at NBC October 19, 2008 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

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Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough accidentally drops the F bomb while talking about the new administration. (intoxination)

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MSNBC Slaps Tape Delay on Scarborough