A Texas FM translator has been notified that it is allegedly violating several rules set by the Federal Communications Commission — including operating at allegedly unauthorized location, height and power levels — and that further enforcement action might be on the horizon.
The Enforcement Bureau notified Westface Ventures — licensee of translator K253AN in Austin, Texas — that agents from the bureau’s Dallas field office found that the station was allegedly operating at a location that is 13 miles from the location authorized on the station’s license.
During the April 2017 inspection, the agents also observed the station allegedly operating with a transmitter power output of 527 watts, which is apparently more than 15% above the station’s authorized power of 455 watts, the FCC said. At the same time, the agents reported that the station’s above-ground antenna height was measured at 304 meters, which allegedly exceeds the authorized height of 90 meters, the FCC said.
In a Notice of Violation sent to Westface, the FCC gave the licensee 20 days to provide additional information on these alleged violations and any remedial actions that have been taken. In this notice, the FCC specified exactly what kind of details are needed, including an explanation of each alleged violation, a statement of specific corrective actions and a timeline for making any changes. The FCC also noted that other action may be taken by the Enforcement Bureau, including levying a potential fine.
The translator’s primary station is KTAE(AM), a sports radio station in Austin.
