Bulletin Categories: Enforcement Actions

Broadcaster Fined $12,500 for Modifying FM Translator Equipment Without FCC Authorization February 2, 2024

A recent Forfeiture Order (the “Order”) serves as a reminder to broadcasters to always refer to the FCC’s Rules, or consult with legal counsel, when considering any technical equipment modifications...

FCC Determines that Late-Filed EEO Public File Reports May Give Rise to Multiple FCC Rule Violations; Imposes $26,000 Forfeiture February 2, 2024

The FCC recently released a Forfeiture Order (“Order”) imposing a $26,000 forfeiture against a large broadcast ownership group (“Licensee”) for failing to timely upload one annual EEO Public File Report...

Large Radio Ownership Group Hit with $500,000 FCC Consent Decree for Violating Political Broadcasting and Sponsorship Identification Rules February 2, 2024

As all broadcasters are well aware, we are in the midst of a busy political advertising season leading up to the eventual November 5, 2024, general election. Broadcasters may therefore...

FCC Continues to Punish Pirates; Affirms Earlier Fines Proposed Against New York and Oregon Unlicensed Radio Operators October 24, 2023

Recently, the full FCC adopted two Forfeiture Orders (one here, the other, here)—together totaling nearly $2.4 million in penalties—that represent the first fines issued pursuant to the 2020 Preventing Illegal...

Multiple Apparent EEO Violations, Including Deficiencies with Public File and Website Uploads, Widespread Recruitment, and Recordkeeping, Result in $25,000 Proposed Fine Against Two Small Radio Licensees October 24, 2023

A recent Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (the “NAL”) provides an important lesson regarding how quickly a relatively small number equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) mistakes can snowball into a...

Chance at New NCE FM Station Lost Because General Manager, Rather than Corporate Officer, Signed Application October 24, 2023

By recent Letter Decision (the “Decision”), the Commission dismissed an application for a new noncommercial educational FM station based primarily on the fact that the application was not signed by...

FCC Continues to Crack Down on Pirate Radio Operations April 6, 2023

In a pair of March 2023 Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (the “NALs”)—together totaling more than $2 million in proposed penalties—the FCC has showed continued vigilance in monitoring, uncovering,...

$500 Fine for Extended Silence and Related Inaccurate Certifications March 28, 2023

In a recent Order and Consent Decree (the “Order”), the Commission imposed a $500 civil penalty, compliance plan, and reporting requirements on the licensee (the “Licensee”) of a California low...

Station Enters into Consent Decree for Missed Filings, Avoids Fine March 28, 2023

The FCC has entered in to a Consent Decree (the “Consent Decree”) with a Virginia radio station (the “Station”), which resolves a 2020 Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (the...

$6,500 Fine and Short-Term License Renewal for Untimely License Application and Unauthorized Operation March 28, 2023

As noted above, the Commission will not excuse rule violations due to a licensee’s inadvertence. In a recent Memorandum Opinion and Order and Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (the...