We have previously reported on FM translators in and around greater Houston rebroadcasting a source other than their authorized primary station, which is in violation of Federal Communications Commission rules.
Separately, we’ve heard of other instances.
Wednesday, the FCC sent notices of violation to two operators in Houston and one in Fort Worth regarding translators not rebroadcasting their licensed primary stations.
The commission also sent a notice to an LPFM in Houston that was found to be broadcasting at a transmitter power output approximately 475% of its authorized limit.
Primary station
On May 4, an agent from the FCC’s Dallas Enforcement Bureau inspected 104.5 K283CH(FM), a 99-watt translator in Houston licensed to Centro Cristiano De Vida Eterna. The agent observed that it was not rebroadcasting its primary station, 880 KJOZ(AM).
KJOZ runs a Spanish tropical format as “La Calle.”
That same day, an agent inspected 45-watt 106.1 K291CE(FM) in Houston, licensed to Primera Iglesia Evangelica de Apostoles Y Profetas, and found that it also was not rebroadcasting KJOZ, as it is licensed.
Meanwhile, in Fort Worth, on June 1, an agent inspected one-watt 92.9 K225BR(FM), licensed to Hispanic Family Christian Network. The agent discovered it was not transmitting its primary station, 94.1 KLNO(FM), the Regional Mexican outlet “Qué Buena.”
Overpowered
Also on May 4, an agent inspected 102.5 KMAZ(LP) in Houston, which is licensed to the nonprofit Bread of Life. The agent determined KMAZ was operating with a transmitter power output of 19 watts, well above the station’s authorized four-watt maximum.
For each of the four violations, the licensee must submit a written statement to the FCC within 20 days.
The response must fully explain the facts surrounding the violation, detail the specific steps taken to correct the issue and prevent it from happening again and include a timeline for completing any pending fixes, the violation notice said.
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