MMTC Objects To FCC Fine Against College LPFM

Against Fine

In APRIL, BETHUNE-COOKMAN COLLEGE was fined $9,600 by the FCC for using an unlicensed STL transmitter and failure to install EAS equipment at low power FM WRWS-LP/DAYTONA BEACH.  Now, the MINORITY MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, along with NABOB, the RAINBOW PUSH COALITION, and the BLACK COLLEGE COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION, has filed an amicus letter asking the FCC to drop the fine because the Commission, according to the organizations, failed to follow its own precedent of reducing fines against LPFMs. 

"Had the bureau considered the LPFM forfeiture policy, the forfeiture would have been at most a few hundred dollars rather than the $9,600 assessed against BCU," the letter noted, adding that the "unlawful" fine would discourage historically black colleges from creating and maintaining broadcasting programs.

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