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FCC’s Video Division Distinguishes Between Total of Four and Six Untimely Issues/Programs List Uploads, Cancels Pending Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture March 18, 2024

By recent Order (the “Order”), the FCC’s Video Division cancelled an outstanding $3,000 Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (the “NAL”) after discovering that a California television station (the “Station”)...

FCC Continues to be Vigilant Pursuant to PIRATE Act; Announces Multiple Enforcement Actions Against Pirate Radio Operations March 18, 2024

We have seen a multitude of FCC Enforcement actions during the first quarter of 2024; one area that continues to make headlines is the FCC’s crack down on unauthorized radio...

Displaced LPTV Station Likely to Escape with Fine, Rather than Loss of Station, for Nearly Six Years of Unauthorized Operation March 18, 2024

In a recent Memorandum Opinion and Order and Notice of Apparently Liability for Forfeiture (the “Order”), the FCC proposed a $9,500 fine against a displaced Missouri LPTV station (the “Station”)...

Informal Objection Prompts FCC Examination Into and Dismissal of Recently Filed Application for New LPFM Station February 16, 2024

An applicant for a Virginia-based low power FM (“LPFM”) facility recently found itself with its application dismissed after an Informal Objection prompted an FCC Staff examination into the applicant’s compliance...

FCC Finds Broadcaster Violated “Good Faith” Retrans Consent Negotiation Rules; Proposes $720k Forfeiture February 16, 2024

The Media Bureau proposed a $720,000 fine against the licensee of six television stations in Hawaii for allegedly violating the Commission’s retransmission consent “good faith” negotiating rules, according to a...

FCC Dismisses FM Station’s Modification Application to Change Community of License; Sets Guideposts for Online Evidence Used in Such Applications February 2, 2024

By recent Letter Decision (the “Decision”), the FCC’s Audio Division dismissed a Wyoming radio station’s application to change its community of license based on a failure to specify a licensable...

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...