WASHINGTON – This peep show is going to end with a mighty big tab.

The Federal Communications Commission is expected to fine 20 TV stations in the CBS empire a total of $550,000 for February’s Super Bowl halftime show, in which Janet Jackson’s breast was intentionally exposed.

FCC Chairman Michael Powell recommended the penalty, which would be the highest ever imposed by regulators on TV stations. But the proposal is likely to be criticized by Democratic commissioners, who are expected to contend that the fine isn’t high enough when compared with the $2.25 million charged for a 30-second Super Bowl ad.

Following a record 500,000 complaints, Congress and the FCC promised to step up penalties against broadcasters that air indecent content.