FCC Fines 28 Stations For Public File Violations

The FCC’s Media Bureau issued 28 Notices of Apparent Liability to radio stations that the agency said did not adequately comply with the commission’s public file requirements. The stations were ordered to pay fines of $3,000 each. The bureau determined that $4,000 fines were warranted but reduced the fines because the stations voluntarily disclosed the violations.
Stations in Washington, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia were fined as radio’s three-year nationwide license renewal period has begun.
The FCC said the actions “mark a change in policy from the last renewal cycle (1995-1998) and reflect the Media Bureau’s effort to enforce public file rules in a meaningful way as part of the renewal process.”
“Our decision to fine these stations reflects the seriousness of the violations, and it is consistent with FCC Chairman Michael Powell’s initiative to promote and protect localism in broadcasting,” said Media Bureau Chief Ken Ferree. “The public file provides citizens with important information about broadcasters’ service to their communities. Make no mistake about it – the FCC will not tolerate less than diligent efforts to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of that information.”