andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

Justin promised to have Janet naked by the end of his song – but it took a hell of a lot longer for the consequences to be resolved in court.

The $550,000 fine against CBS was dropped yesterday for the infamous nipple tassel incident at the 2004 Superbowl.

A panel of three judges ruled that the Federal Communications Commission “acted arbitrarily and capriciously” when it fined CBS so heavily.

Janet Jackson has previously said she was hurt by the way Justin Timberlake failed to stick up for her during the onslaught of media and legal attention that followed the incident.

If another “wardrobe malfunction” happens on U.S. TV, the stations could face fines up to 10 times higher than before.

The Associated Press reports that U.S. President George W. Bush signed legislation Thursday, which increases the fines broadcasters could receive from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for showing “indecency” on the air.

An indecent act doesn’t have to just be shown nudity, but would also include dirty talk.

“The problem we have is that the maximum penalty that the FCC can impose under current law is just $32,500 per violation. And for some broadcasters, this amount is meaningless. It’s relatively painless for them when they violate decency standards,” Bush said.

The bill does not apply to satellite or cable stations, and does not explicitly define what indecency is.