Advertising Age has a fascinating story here about why Miller’s one-second beer ads mocking Anheuser-Busch’s free-spending ways weren’t played on numerous TV stations during the recent Super Bowl. Turns out, NBC sent out a directive advising its owned-and-operated station affiliates not to run the local spots, according to the trade publication.

The fascinating question: Was the blackout caused by Anheuser-Busch, one of the biggest Super Bowl advertisers and the only beer company to have national TV spots during the broadcast? The Ad Age story seems to suggest not, but it’s a fascinating question nevertheless. A-B has never been shy about out muscling its competitors. And the company seems to harbor a cordial hatred of Miller; The mutual animosity that stretches back decades.

From the story:

Was A-B perhaps throwing its weight around to keep a rival’s gibes off a broadcast it has paid dearly to dominate for decades? Keith Levy, A-B’s VP-marketing, said the No. 1 brewer did not ask NBC to pull Miller’s ads. He did leave open the possibility, however, that NBC was watching A-B’s back without being asked. “We made no call to NBC,” he said. “But, as the official [malt-beverage] sponsor, we do expect a certain level of protection.”

Wow, that sounds a bit menacing. Just for the record, Keith, you’re looking great these days. Have you been working out? Lager Heads doesn’t want NO trouble.