The FCC reaffirmed a fine for $10,000 against Gold Coast Broadcasting for not maintaining the correct paint on its tower for Ventura, Calif., station KUNX(AM).
A year ago February, Los Angeles field agents said the paint was so oxidized the tower was hard to see. Gold Coast argued that it hired a painter after the tower inspection and has acted in good faith. It said the tower in question is part of a well-lit three-tower array. A high fine would be a financial burden, it argued.
The FCC disagreed and stated, “We do not believe that merely having discussions with contractors regarding the repainting of the tower prior to the agent’s inspection warrants a reduction of the forfeiture amount on the basis of good faith.”
The commission said Gold Coast’s efforts to correct the violation after commission discovery were commendable but not enough to warrant lifting or canceling the penalty. Also, the agency stated, the licensee did not submit financial documentation in order to assess ability to pay.
$10,000 Tower Paint Fine Reaffirmed
$10,000 Tower Paint Fine Reaffirmed
