Profanity Delay
A Profanity Delay is a safety system used in live radio and television broadcasting that gives producers a few seconds to catch and block out inappropriate content before it goes on air. Think of it like a time machine that creates a small gap between what's happening live and what listeners hear, usually 5-10 seconds. This allows station staff to press a button to remove unwanted language or content, helping stations avoid fines and maintain FCC compliance. It's sometimes called a "delay unit," "broadcast delay," or "dump button system."
Examples in Resumes
Operated Profanity Delay systems during live call-in shows to ensure FCC compliance
Trained junior staff on proper use of Broadcast Delay equipment
Managed live programming using Delay Unit systems for multiple syndicated shows
Typical job title: "Radio Broadcast Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Radio Broadcast Engineers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where the profanity delay system fails during a live broadcast?
Expected Answer: A senior engineer should explain backup systems, quick troubleshooting steps, and alternative methods to protect the broadcast. They should also mention documentation and training procedures for such scenarios.
Q: What considerations do you take into account when setting up a delay system for different types of programming?
Expected Answer: Should discuss factors like program content type, audience, FCC requirements, and how to balance delay time with live interaction needs. Should mention experience with various delay lengths and system configurations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What procedures do you follow when training staff on profanity delay operations?
Expected Answer: Should describe creating clear guidelines, hands-on training sessions, practice scenarios, and regular refresher training to ensure consistent operation across all staff members.
Q: How do you maintain and test profanity delay equipment?
Expected Answer: Should explain regular maintenance schedules, testing procedures, and how to verify system functionality before each broadcast day or major live event.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of a profanity delay system?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a safety system allowing stations to prevent inappropriate content from airing by creating a time buffer between live audio and broadcast.
Q: What are the basic steps in operating a profanity delay system?
Expected Answer: Should describe how to activate the delay, monitor content, use the dump button when needed, and rebuild delay time after use.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic operation of delay systems
- Understanding FCC broadcast rules
- Live broadcast monitoring
- Basic audio equipment operation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Training others on delay systems
- Troubleshooting equipment issues
- Managing multiple broadcast feeds
- Equipment maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- System design and implementation
- Emergency procedure development
- Staff training program creation
- Broadcast compliance management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of FCC broadcast regulations
- Lack of live broadcast experience
- Poor attention to detail
- No experience with audio equipment
- Inability to work under pressure
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