The FCC reduced what was a $25,000 proposed fine for main studio and public file violations to $500 for Vision Latina Broadcasting, licensee of KBPO(AM), Port Neches, Texas.
The case began in December of 2010 when an agent from the Houston office of the Enforcement Bureau tried to inspect KBPO’s main studio during business hours but found the studio locked and unstaffed; the agent returned a few days later. One staff member was there and produced a public inspection file which was missing several items, according to the agency’s account.
The staff member said the company president would return the missing items when he returned from Mexico, but that didn’t happen, according to the FCC.
In 2011 the Houston office of the Enforcement Bureau issued a Notice of Apparent Liability to Vision Latina for $25,000.
Vision Latina asked for the penalty to be cancelled or reduced, citing an inability to pay, and produced records to back up that claim. The broadcaster also certified that its main studio is now staffed and its public inspection file is complete and now available to the public.
Payment is due in 30 days.
