Broadcast delay refers to a technique utilized primarily in broadcasting[1], where live material is held back for a brief period before being transmitted. This technique is commonly used to prevent the broadcast of undesirable content, such as profanity, or to align the timing of nationwide simultaneous broadcasts. The concept originated at the WKAP radio station in Pennsylvania, with the tape delay system gaining popularity in the US. Today, the technique is applied globally, often to compensate for different time zones. In professional sports, broadcast delay plays a crucial role in preventing cheating and ensuring fair play. However, with the advent of social media[2] and the increasing global availability of live events, traditional tape delays are becoming less prevalent. Despite this, broadcast delay continues to be a significant aspect of broadcasting, influencing scheduling decisions and content editing for regions without live coverage.
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In radio and television, broadcast delay is an intentional delay when broadcasting live material, technically referred to as a deferred live. Such a delay may be to prevent mistakes or unacceptable content from being broadcast. Longer delays lasting several hours can also be introduced so that the material is aired at a later scheduled time (such as the prime time hours) to maximize viewership. Tape delays lasting several hours can also be edited down to remove filler material or to trim a broadcast to the network's desired run time for a broadcast slot, but this is not always the case.