A Texas broadcaster will have to pay $14,000 but gets to keep two stations in an FCC enforcement action.
The Audio Division of the Media Bureau made the ruling in applications by Stein Broadcasting Co. for renewal of KXOX(AM-FM) in Sweetwater, Texas.
It found that the owner failed to file timely renewal application and operated without authorizations after the licenses had expired.
The commission said Stein not only failed to file timely renewals but also continued operating for more than 15 months after the licenses had expired before filing applications and seeking an STA; and further that the stations continued operating twice after two separate STAs expired. It rejected the owner’s argument that the failures were inadvertent.
The station has 30 days to appeal. Details of the case are here.