In October 2023, RBR+TVBR readers first learned of the potential license revocation and call letter deletion for an AM/FM combo serving a corner of Louisiana near the Mississippi border. Unpaid regulatory fee debt dating back to 2002 threatened the stations’ extinction.
The Media Bureau has now granted a stay of execution as part of a Consent Decree entered into with the stations’ licensee.
Audio Division Chief Al Shuldiner on Tuesday signed off on an Order that resolves issues arising from the Bureau’s review of the license renewal for Best Country Broadcasting-owned WBOX-AM in Bogalusa, La., and WBOX-FM in Varnado, La.
The Commission’s records show that BCB currently has unpaid regulatory fee debt
for WBOX-AM of $493.75 for FY 2002; $1,355,22 for FY 2012; $1,361.69 for FY 2013; $1,314,33 for FY 2014; $1,280.78 for FY 2015; $1,301.41 for FY 2016; $1,177.09 for FY 2017; $1,160.54 for FY 2018; $1,254.08 for FY 2019; and $1,399.28 for FY 2022.
For WBOX-FM of $681.25 for FY 2002; $1,011.74 for FY 2012; $1,033.77 for FY 2013; $998.25 for FY 2014; $960.58 for FY 2015; $1,364.89 for FY 2016; $99.82 for FY 2017; $1,273.18 for FY 2019; and $1,483.49 for FY 2022.
Demand letters were sent. No reply was given. The U.S. Treasury then sought to collect. No reply was provided.
BCB, owned by Ben Strickland since he acquired the stations in 2002 for $150,000, finally chimed in on the matter. With details remaining private, the FCC will only point to a comprehensive compliance plan that effectively terminates the Bureau’s investigation. Strickland signed the Consent Decree on June 9.
