Articles Posted in FCC Enforcement

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Topics include:

  • FCC Imposes a Reduced $17,500 Fine on Wyoming Commercial AM/FM Station Combo for Multiple Violations
  • Pennsylvania TV Station Fined $32,000 for Violating FCC’s Sponsorship ID Rule
  • Licensee Fined $13,000 for Antenna Structure Violations
  • FCC Fines California Noncommercial FM Station $9,000 for Failure to Properly Maintain a Public Inspection File

FCC Imposes a Reduced $17,500 Fine on Wyoming Commercial AM/FM Station Combo for Multiple Violations
The FCC has released a Forfeiture Order asserting that the licensee of a Wyoming AM/FM station combination failed to maintain an operational EAS system, failed to consistently prepare and include programs/issues lists in its public inspection file, and failed to operate a wireless radio service station from its authorized location. Specifically, the FCC’s Order cited Sections 11.35, 11.52(d), 11.61(a), 73.3526(e)(12), 1.903(a), 1.929 and 74.532(e) of the FCC’s Rules, which require broadcasters to use common EAS protocols, ensure operability of EAS equipment, conduct regular tests of a station’s EAS system to ensure such operability, prepare and include quarterly programs/issues reports in the public inspection file, and operate wireless radio service facilities as specified in their current authorizations.

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March 2009

FCC Fines a Michigan Radio Station for Broadcasting a Telephone Conversation Without Prior Notice.

FCC Fines Pennsylvania Noncommercial Educational Television Station $2,500 for Airing Advertisements.

FCC Fines AM Radio Station $6,000 for Conducting a Contest Without Describing All Material Terms.

A PDF version of this entire article can be found at A FCC Enforcement Monitor.

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January 2009
In late December 2008, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released a series of six Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture against broadcasters asserting violations of the FCC’s Equal Employment Opportunity rule (“EEO rule”). In a joint statement appended to each of the six cases, FCC Commissioners Michael J. Copps (now Acting FCC Chairman) and Jonathan S. Adelstein (the “Commissioners”) signaled their strong desire that enforcement of EEO matters be stepped up by the Commission. The Commissioners noted that “Commission enforcement of EEO rules has been inconsistent and, as one consequence, employment in broadcasting does not reflect America.” Specifically, the Commissioners noted that while 251 cases resulted in 86 forfeitures between 1994 and 1997, only 10 cases resulting in 8 forfeitures were released between 2004 and 2007.

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December 2008
Topics include:

  • FCC Fines Mississippi Radio Station $13,000 for Failure to Inform Federal Aviation Administration of Antenna Structure Lighting Malfunction and Failure to Maintain a Public Inspection File
  • Commission Fines Nevada Radio Licensee $5,600 for Failing to Enclose Tower With an Effective Locked Fence
  • FCC Fines New Mexico Radio Station $10,000 for Operating from an Unauthorized Location

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November 2008
Topics include:

  • FCC Upholds $9,000 Fine for Noncommercial FM Radio Station Airing Advertisements
  • FCC Fines New York AM Radio Station $12,800 for Failing to Sign Off at Sunset, Failing to Maintain Daytime Operating Power, Failing to Maintain an Operational Emergency Alert System, and Failing to Maintain a Complete Public Inspection File

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June 2008
Topics include:

  • Texas AM Radio Station Assessed $8,800 Fine for Failure to Maintain a Main Studio and Operation Above Authorized Power Level
  • FCC Fines Arizona Radio Station $6,400 for Emergency Alert System Violation
  • FCC Proposes Fine of $10,000 to Hawaii Radio Station for Violating Radio Frequency Radiation Limits

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May 2008
Topics include:

  • Virginia Radio Licensee Assessed $8,000 Fine for Enforcing Format Restriction Provision in Non-Compete Agreement
  • FCC Proposes to Fine Texas TV Licensee $20,000 for Children’s Television Violations
  • FCC Fines Ohio Non-Commercial Radio Station $9,000 for Airing Prohibited Advertising
  • FCC Fines Mississippi AM Radio Station $1,500 for Operating from Unauthorized Location at Excessive Power Level

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April 2008
Topics include:

  • FCC Fines Florida Low Power FM Radio Licensee $24,000 for Unlicensed Operations
  • Commission Fines Florida Tower Owner $12,000 for Failing to Post Antenna Structure Registration Numbers and Paint Its Towers
  • FCC Fines California Radio Licensee for Failing to Operate an Aural Studio-Transmitter Link from the Licensed Location
  • Commission Fines Florida AM Radio Licensee $4,000 for Remaining on Air After Sunset in Violation of Its Station Authorization

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March 2008
Topics include:

  • FCC Fines Mississippi Radio Station for Broadcasting a Conversation Without First Informing the Other Party
  • Commission Fines Wyoming Radio Licensee $4,200 for Failing to Enclose Tower With an Effective Locked Fence
  • FCC Fines Louisiana Radio Licensee $10,000 for Tower Lighting and Operating Power Violations
  • FCC Fines Licensee of Florida Low Power FM Radio Station $6,400 for Emergency Alert System Violation

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