CBS FIGHTING BOOB BOWL FINE

New York Post ^ | 11/09/04 | Post TV Staff

[kattracks]

CBS will try to get the FCC to cancel the $550,000 fine the agency slapped the network with in September as a result of the Super Bowl halftime show in which Janet Jackson's breast was bared.

In a 78-page letter dated last Friday that the network filed with the Federal Communications Commission, CBS argues that it didn't know about the breast being exposed in advance and is therefore not liable.

"No one at the network knew, or had reason to suspect, that the halftime show would end with a glimpse of nudity," the letter said. But the fine, "is based on the premise that [CBS parent] Viacom planned and touted what it did not know would happen."

CBS' challenge of the fine is likely to lead to a court battle.

[snip]

The incident prompted a record half-million complaints to the FCC which also spurred the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives to pass a bill raising the maximum fines for broadcast indecency to as much as $500,000 from the current $27,500.

[kingu]

Geeze, what is it with CBS? Can't they just move on instead of fighting every little thing tooth and nail? They got caught with Janet's shirt out, the FCC slapped a fine. Whoopee, so Rather doesn't get leather in his custom jet. Pay the fine and stop being the news.

[artsymom]

They are not liable? That is what they get for hiring trash to do the Super Bowl anyway. What do they expect??

[kingu]

They are not liable? That is what they get for hiring trash to do the Super Bowl anyway. What do they expect??

500k to the lawyers, or 550k to the FCC? This one just seems like a no brainer. Maybe the intention is to get it into a court and then settle with the FCC without admitting guilt? That way, they cut their losses, and can claim that they were innocent.

It's like a speeder who got caught - try to get it into traffic court and see if the policeman shows up, and if he does, cut your losses.

[Neanderthal]

"Geeze, what is it with CBS? Can't they just move on instead of fighting every little thing tooth and nail? They got caught with Janet's shirt out, the FCC slapped a fine. Whoopee, so Rather doesn't get leather in his custom jet. Pay the fine and stop being the news."

CBS doesn't care one bit about the $550K. They care about buzz and reputation, which are worth much more than $550K.

[SeaBiscuit]

"CBS argues that it didn't know about the breast forgeries being exposed in advance and is therefore not liable"

[martin_fierro]

[blondee123]

CBS has had so many black eyes this year, they are totally irrelevant should just cease to exist!

[DaveMSmith]

It's funny. A few months after the Super Bowl, my girlfriend Teresa wore a Janet Jackson tee shirt when we took her daughter to the park. A few weeks later at breakfast after church, Teresa fussed with Lauren's top at the diner 'so her boobies' wouldn't show. Sounds like CBS!

Teresa was having emotional problems at the time.. when I see her, I'll have to ask her what she thinks about this.

[Oztrich Boy]

CBS reputation worth more than $550K? Why, that sounds like crazy talk.