Since the start of January 2007 the FCC has been
investigating the Broadcast Entertainment Group, and news
of the case was just released yesterday.

On January 10, 2007, an FCC agent held and inspection of
radio stations KICA(AM) and KKYC(FM) both in Clovis, New Mexico.
Both stations are owned by the Broadcast Entertainment Group. Basically,
all radio stations are required to have public inspection files. These
files are available to anyone, and they contain information regarding the type
and amount of content that is broadcast on that particular station. The
inspection revealed that the files did not contain all of the required
quarterly radio issues/program lists.

In June of 2007, the Denver Office of the FCC issued an
$8,000 fine to BEC, for “repeatedly failing to maintain complete public
inspection files.” BEC claimed that the mistake was due to management
changes. In August of 2007, there was a hearing to “reconsider” the
outcome of this situation. At the hearing, the FCC decided that
cancellation of the $8,000 fine was warranted. This company walked away
with a slap on the hand.

One of the biggest problems in this case is that the
regulations that are set in place by the FCC are far too soft. These laws are
created for a purpose; to protect public interest, convenience and
necessity. If a company neglects its responsibilities on public records
they should not get away with just a warning. The FCC is not holding
people who are breaking the laws directly responsible for their actions.

Radio stations are required to show the public files to any
citizen who shows up at the station and asks to see them. Stations almost
never receive these requests because citizens are not aware of their rights. If
you would like to inspect a public file, you should first identify the station
you will go to. Next you can review and bring a copy of the FCC’s “The
Public and Broadcasting” guide(w/ link). The next step is to go to the
station and simply request the file. Staff should be helpful but if
they’re not, or if they refuse, take note of that as it is violation of FCC
rules.

For more information visit: http://www.ourmediavoice.org/investigate.html