FCC upholds record fine for wardrobe malfunction

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has upheld a $550,000 US fine against CBS for Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl.

Jackson's breast was briefly exposed during the halftime show, leading to complaints of indecency against the network.

The FCC said it rejected an argument by CBS that the incident was not indecent and said CBS "consciously and willfully failed to take actions to prevent the broadcast of the material," according to Associated Press.

Immediately after the incident, the FCC began an investigation. FCC chairman Michael Powell termed it "a classless, crass and deplorable stunt."

CBS faces fines of more than $3.6 million US for FCC decisions against it, released on Wednesday.

It alsoreceived steep penalties for an episode of crime investigation series Without A Trace from Dec. 31, 2004, which depicted a sex orgy with teenaged boys and girls.

The 20 CBSaffiliate stations must pay $32,500 US each for that breach of decency.

The FCC was ruling Wednesday on more than 50 charges of indecency against various U.S. stations.

After the Jackson incident, the U.S. House of Representatives raised the maximum fine for breaches of television standards in an effort to show it is serious about such offences.

Broadcasters have introduced a delay on live broadcasts of the Super Bowl and its half-time show, so they can react if there is a hint of nudity or profanity.

The FCC also cited episodes of The Surreal Life 2, a reality TV show on VH1, and an episode of the Fernando Hidalgo chat show in which a female guest wore an open-front dress.