FCC’s chill wind has shows covered

The sighting of Janet Jackson’s right breast during the Super Bowl halftime show this year lasted only seconds, but there appears to be no end to the fallout.

The so-called Nipplegate scandal launched a yearlong crackdown on indecency by the Federal Communications Commission, resulting in time delays on live shows, the revival of the V-chip, and record fines. CBS is still protesting $550,000 in fines for the halftime show, while other TV and radio stations have paid millions to the government for infractions.

The FCC received 530,828 complaints after Jackson’s bodice was ripped open by dance partner Justin Timberlake, whose representatives called it a “wardrobe malfunction.”

Although most complaints were traced to one advocacy group, the Parents Television Council, free-speech champions worry that the conservative “political capital” President Bush feels he won with reelection will result in more FCC fines in television programming as well as self-imposed suspensions and firings.

One of the safest bets may be next year’s Feb. 6 Super Bowl halftime show to air on Fox. Instead of MTV, the show will be produced by the National Football League, along with Don Mischer, a longtime Emmy Awards producer.

At Super Bowl XXXIX, there will be only one performer: Paul McCartney. Said spokesman Brian McCarthy, “He’s assured us there won’t be any issues.”