Censorship In The US.

[mitch]

I've noticed on American Idol. Or some programme like that. Steve Tylers in it, that's all i know lol.

On the desk there's Glasses which i assume are Coca Cola. And therefor have the Coke Brand on the front. Anyhow, here in the UK where we get the show weeks later. The Glasses have been censored out.

Are they Coca Cola? And are they censored too when it's aired in the US?

Also. Do programmes in the US have free reign to advertise branded products. For example, on Cookery shows do they show the brand name on the tins, jars, packets etc?

In the UK a Chef used Heinz Baked Beans. But the word "Heinz" was covered with black tape. Although it was obvious what brand it was by the colour of the tin and the word Baked Beanz. (Yes spelt like that because they're sad lol)

EDIT: Views from Australia, Japan and Canada also appreciated. ;)

[acidcookie]

It's not a general censorship issue; it just depends on the agreement between the company and the show. In some cases the company purposely wants the product advertised in the show/movie (i.e. product placement), but if there is not such an agreement, the product often has to be blurred out so it is not advertised without consent.

[mitch]

It's not a general censorship issue; it just depends on the agreement between the company and the show. In some cases the company purposely wants the product advertised in the show/movie (i.e. product placement), but if there is not such an agreement, the product often has to be blurred out so it is not advertised without consent.


Sometimes we have Product Placement in the UK. They show a "P" in the corner of the screen. I've never seen it on a programme. But there is an advert about the rule. I know one Chef on Breakfast TV got sacked for advertising a certain cooking Salt. It was months before the powers that be cottoned onto the fact. :blink:

[scarymary48]

It's not a general censorship issue; it just depends on the agreement between the company and the show. In some cases the company purposely wants the product advertised in the show/movie (i.e. product placement), but if there is not such an agreement, the product often has to be blurred out so it is not advertised without consent.

Yep same, it's a legal thing. Sometimes it's the product not wanting to be associated with the show, or it's use in a show, and other times the show has a pre-existing (and paid) agreement to advertise a competitive product so they have to blur something out so they don't give free advertising to the competition. The only Aus show I've ever really noticed this on though is Next Top Model, they are always blurring out t shirt slogans, makeup and shampoo bottles etc.

[mj512]

I'm pretty sure Coca Cola is a sponsor of American Idol - I'm pretty sure it is there front and center on purpose and it isn't censored... at least I don't think it is?

[mitch]

I'm pretty sure Coca Cola is a sponsor of American Idol - I'm pretty sure it is there front and center on purpose and it isn't censored... at least I don't think it is?

That's what i thought. Maybe they censor it out when aired in the UK because the UK Channel wont pay the Sponsorship. :shrug:

[Ninedays9]

I've always thought it was kind of funny when they blur out brand names or change them. I noticed they did that on the show Friends a lot. Like with cereal, they'd keep the box as it was, except they'd change the lettering to have a slightly different name on it. It's funny that they can do that when it's still obvious what the brand is.

[acidcookie]

I noticed the other day on Big Bang Theory they had a bottle of some condiment and just erased the first and last letters. Haha, what!

[WebLady]

Yeah I have seen products blurred or with labels covered up on shows before; I am sure it is either not to give them free advertisment, or that they don't want to be associated with the show.