The Media Bureau has cancelled a proposed fine handed to the licensee of a low-powered FM station serving the Oregon metropolis that is “dedicated to playing under-heard Rock music from around the globe.”
KVRN-LPFM 101.5, and sibling facility KYQT-LPFM, are known across the Portland, Ore., market as “Cavern.FM.”
KVRN’s facility, with 50 watts, serves a portion of the eastern neighborhoods between Powellhurst-Gilbert and the city of Gresham; KYQT’s signal contour covers Beaverton and areas west of the Oregon Zoo and downtown Portland.
On January 11, KVRN owner Cascade Community Radio was handed a $1,500 fine for its failure to timely file a license renewal application.
Cascade responded, pleading that it is in able to pay such a forfeiture. It supplied documentation illustrating how the $1,500 forfeiture would create a financial hardship for the small community-focused station.
Audio Division Chief Al Shuldiner agreed, and cancelled the fine. Instead, Cascade was admonished for its tardiness.