Swearing was broadcast during The Who's performance of Who Are You

The Parents Television Council wants a fine to be levied on US network ABC after it broadcast the Live 8 concert from London's Hyde Park on 2 July.

The group said the event was shown with a delay which would have given ABC "ample time" to edit out swearing.

ABC said "one inappropriate phrase" was broadcast but subsequently edited out.

Global broadcast

The 10 Live 8 concerts, aimed at putting pressure on the G8 leaders to alleviate poverty in Africa, were held in cities including Rome, Berlin and Philadelphia.

They were broadcast by TV stations across the world, with organisers estimating that 85% of the global population would have been able to tune into the event.

The US parents group asked the Federal Communications Commission to fine ABC for failing to censor The Who's performance of Who Are You.

Unfortunately, one inappropriate phrase sung by one performer was initially missed ABC spokesman

"The programme was aired on a tape delay, which should have given ABC ample time to edit all obscenities from the concert prior to broadcast," Parents Television Council executive director Tim Winter said.

It registered a complaint against ABC affiliate WJLA but the group wanted action to be taken against all ABC stations that aired the profanity.

"Unfortunately, one inappropriate phrase sung by one performer was initially missed and made it into the East Coast network feed," an ABC spokesman said.