The FCC has refused an appeal by CBS to reconsider its fine of $500,000 for Janet Jackson's Superbowl skin show. A lawsuit is pending.
Reports Reuters:
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission refused to reconsider on Wednesday its decision to fine 20 CBS Corp. (CBSa.N: Quote, Profile, Research) television stations a total of $550,000 for airing pop singer Janet Jackson's breast flash in 2004.
The decision sets up a likely court battle over the FCC's attempt to crack down on indecent content broadcast on television and radio.
Jackson briefly exposed her breast during the Super Bowl football halftime show, sparking an outrage among some lawmakers and parents groups and provoking regulators to impose the fine on CBS for violating U.S. decency standards.
"The commission affirms its finding that CBS' violation was willful and declines to reduce the forfeiture imposed upon CBS," the agency said in a statement.
"We find that CBS has failed to present any argument warranting reconsideration of our forfeiture order," the FCC said. The agency penalized only those television stations owned by CBS since it helped produce the show.
