10 years of fallout from Janet Jackson’s halftime show

September 22nd, 2004

The FCC finally issues a $550,000 fine against CBS, the largest fine ever of its kind. Additionally, the FCC alleges that the incident was planned by Timberlake and Jackson, who acted “independently and clandestinely.” Viacom immediately contests the fine.

November 24th, 2004

Two months later, Viacom agrees to pay around $3.5 million to the FCC to settle indecency fines from dozens of outstanding penalties, including radio stunts executed by shock jocks Howard Stern and Opie & Anthony. In the settlement, Viacom also agrees to implement more delays in their live broadcasting. However, the $550,000 Nipplegate fine is not included in the $3.5 million that Viacom agrees to pay.

February 6th, 2005

The age of the edgy All-Star Pop halftime shows come to an end and the reign of Classic Rock takes over as producers go conservative, choosing Paul McCartney to perform at Super Bowl XXXIX. The following years see a parade of established stars: the Rolling Stones, Prince, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, and the Who. The Super Bowl finally goes contemporary again in 2011 with Black Eyed Peas.

September 26th, 2006

Two and a half years removed from Nipplegate, Jackson’s next album “20 Y.O.” debuts at Number Two on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart in September 2006. Janet also embarks on her first tour since Nipplegate.

August 8th, 2006

The Guinness Book of World Records names Nipplegate the “most searched item in Internet history.”

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