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I know you were being sarcastic about it being "an honest mistake", but since this happened repeatedly, they can hardly claim it was an accident or a mistake.
Also, FCC does NOT tolerate subliminal messages on TV?
Subliminal perception has been a persistent issue at the Commission spanning over 35 years but it has seldom required significant amounts of Commission time and resources. That is largely because the Commission's stand on the issue has been clear and consistent.
The FCC's position is that the use of such techniques involves intentional deception and, thus, is inconsistent with a licensee's obligation to broadcast in the public interest. The Commission defines subliminal projection as a technique of projecting information below the threshold of sensation or awareness.
CNN is not broadcast over the air - it is cable, so the FCC does not have jurisdiction.