The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday reviewed complaints about ABC's steamy "Desperate Housewives" promotion before "Monday Night Football" and while the agency's chairman expressed disappointment, it was not clear whether government would tackle the network.
Although the FCC plans to fine 20 CBS affiliates for its live telecast of the Super Bowl halftime show this year in which Janet Jackson bared her breast, agency chief Michael Powell was measured in his comments about the seductive prime-time "Desperate Housewives" promo.
"First of all, as a legal matter, whether it's a problem is yet to be determined. We only respond to complaints and evaluate them fairly and make a decision," Powell said in an interview with CNBC.
"But I think it's very disappointing. I wonder if Walt Disney would be proud," Powell added.
ABC, a unit of Walt Disney Co., apologized on Tuesday for running the spot for its red hot drama about hanky panky in suburbia as an introduction to its premier football game watched weekly by millions.
The FCC has been cracking down on broadcast radio and television stations for explicit sexual discussions and other incidents that are aired when children are likely to be watching or listening.
The network acknowledged receiving numerous viewer complaints for the segment that featured "Housewives" star Nicolette Sheridan making a very forward pass at Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens in a locker room.
In a parody of her show, Sheridan appears wrapped in a towel and beckons the player to skip his game for her. Although no nudity is shown, it is implied when Sheridan drops the towel to the floor and jumps into Owens's arms.
ABC said placement of the promo was inappropriate and the NFL also criticized the piece as unsuitable for its audience.