Read Eric Rhoads' Blog
FCC Rejects Petitions To Reconsider Translator Fines
March 1, 2011
The FCC has denied petitions for reconsideration of two $250 and one $500 forfeiture order filed by Bible Broadcasting Network. BBN filed late license renewals for translators in Laramie, WY; Hopkinsville, KY; and Princeton and Fairmont, WV.
Back in 2004, BBN was issued noticeof apparent liability in the amount of $1,500 each for failing to file timely renewals for the four transators. BBN filed a request for reduction of the forfeitures, saying the failures to file were not willful, and also arguing that commission rules say a fine can be imposed for failing to file a form, rather than failure to <i>timely<i> file. BBN also contended that a request for a rules waiver was denied impoperly and that its noncommercial status should be taken into account.
The Media Bureau rejected those arguments, but reduced the forfeitures to $250 each. BBN then filed a petition for reconsideration, but the FCC says that filing "largely restates its earlier arguments" and denies the petition.