FCC paperwork can be a hassle for a radio station, even during a pandemic. But not completing it on time can be costly.
Such could be the case for a Kentucky AM station that didn’t get its FM translator license renewal application in on time.
The FCC Media Bureau said Heritage Media of Kentucky, licensee of WMTL(AM), didn’t submit its application to renew its translator in Leitchfield until almost four months after the April 1 due date, and didn’t explain why.
The base fine in this type of case is $3,000 but the FCC lowered the proposed amount to $1,500 because the station did file the application prior to expiration of the license. And the commission said it intended to renew the license, assuming no further issues emerge in the case.
The case isn’t closed yet; Heritage has 30 days to pay or challenge the fine.
