Specifically, that someone is CBS. They have just been ordered to pay a fine of $550,000 for the wardrobe malfunction at last January’s Superbowl. While I am sick of American body-phobia and puritanism, I do appreciate the fact that it was inappropriate to rip Janet Jackson’s bodice off her, so to speak, during what some see as a family TV event. I would understand if the FCC wanted to fine Justin Timberlake, and possibly Jackson, since they were the ones who were immediately responsible for the incident. By this time, they have probably been punished enough in the court of public opinion.
But what’s really stupid is that the network is being fined. How could they have possibly foreseen or prevented The Attack Of The Bare Breast? Were they supposed to go prodding Janet Jackson’s top to make sure there was no way it could be ripped off? Is that going to become a new standard procedure with female performers in all live broadcasts? Why do they need to be punished? Is it just because we need a scapegoat, to defend our godly morals?
Compare that to Australia. Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins (AUS) stepped on her skirt and removed it, revealing her thong. It was all shown on TV here without alarm. We were subjected to this without any fines.
Timberlake and Jackson don’t hold the FCC licenses and didn’t air the offensive material. CBS did, and, under the law, a licensee is responsible for the programming it airs.
And, Larry Mudd, if you want to complain about Swaggart’s statement, the FCC’s toll free number is 1-888-225-5322. But, again, even if it did air in the US (the link just talks about it airing in Canada), if anyone gets fined, it’ll be the broadcaster, not Swaggart.
