Why are ads blurred in US TV shows?

They don’t want to advertise other things.

Are you talking about reality-based or news programming?

I’ve noticed this too (in documentaries), and it is annoying. It certainly seems to be only US shows that do it.

Certain companies pay big bucks to have their product placed/endorsed on shows. They expect any other advertising for a similar product from their competition eliminated.

I’ve always enjoyed how the Macbooks that the guys on Myhthbusters use have the little Apple logo blurred out. Basically it’s because the company didn’t pay to have their image used, but the show wants to use the product anyway.

So it’s bascially a question of not being willing to pay for what accounts to accidental ad placement. Seriously, get a grip. But of course it’s a trade off between maximizing profits and annoying viewers. The problem is, from my perspective at least, that the ‘annoying viewers’ part seems to be getting more and more prevalent. History tells us that we’re about to see more of it locally as well.

Thanks for the answers everyone!

It is either about money or permission.