The owner of a California trio of stations has won a fine reduction but must still pay $8,000 in a public file violation case.
In May last year the FCC Enforcement Bureau’s Los Angeles Office said it would fine Lazer Licenses $12,000 for failing to maintain complete public inspection files. Lazer owns KSBQ(AM), Santa Maria, KLMM(FM), Morro Bay and KLUN(FM), Paso Robles.
The agent on site found public inspection files but no issues/programs lists for any of the stations subsequent to a 2005 license renewal. Lazer said in its response that the issues/programs lists had been placed in a drawer on the second floor. It also said it has since adapted its procedures to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
The FCC reduced the fine based on the station’s explanation of its good-faith efforts but because the issue/programs lists were not available at the inspection, it declined to cancel the fine; it also said steps taken after the inspection to fix the problem are not grounds for further reduction.
