Yet Another FCC Extension In Cross-Ownership Case

Several Rulings

The FCC Media Bureau has issued another extension of time for COX ENTERPRISES; CALVARY, INC.; BONNEVILLE; SCRANTON TIMES LP; and MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS to file amendments to pending waiver requests or renewal applications or to file requests for permanent waivers of the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule. The additional 100 day extension to JANUARY 13th, at the Media Bureau's own motion is because the Commission needs additional time "to consider the Media Parties' request that the deadline be delayed until 90 days after the issuance of a final court order, including the expiration of the period for all judicial review, on pending judicial challenges to the Commission's modified newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule."  The deadline has been delayed several times over the past few years for the same reason.

In other Commission actions, NIEVEZQUEZ PRODUCTIONS, INC. has been fined $7,000 for a late license renewal application and subsequent unauthorized operation of WPRX-A/BRISTOL, CT; and the Petition for Reconsideration of the dismissal of FIRESIDE MEDIA and JET FUEL BROADCASTING's construction permits for new stations at LARGA VISTA, TX; PASS CHRISTIAN, MS; and WINOOSKI, VT has been denied, with the Commission ruling that the petition repeats arguments already dismissed and new arguments it says "fail to present any grounds for reconsideration."  FIRESIDE/JET FUEL principal DAVE GAREY has contended that the FCC hit him with a penalty of $17,300 for pulling out of the 2004 auction before its conclusion when prices got too high, then saddled FIRESIDE with federal debtor status for over two-and-a-half years before considering the company's appeal, causing financial difficulties that he said justified tolling the permits.

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