Entravision Communications, which has its roots in Hispanic-targeted broadcast media properties, has received a proposed fine from the FCC for violations of its rules.
The company now has the opportunity to appeal, seek a reduction of, or pay the fine.
The matter is tied to KTFV-CD in the Rio Grande Valley city of McAllen, Tex. Originally at Channel 48, the station’s facilities were repacked as part of the FCC’s incentive auction. It was assigned a construction permit for post-auction Channel 32.
Phase completion was due by March 13, 2020 — a date many recall as when COVID-19 officially created a pandemic in the U.S.
While the health scare was descending on North America, Entravision claims it began operating on channel 32 on that date. Here’s the problem — KTFV did not timely submit an application for license to cover and, as such, the repack Construction Permit expired.
Fast-forward to September 29, 2023. Just over 3 1/2 years after construction of its post-auction channel 32 facilities were completed and the Repack CP expired, Entravision late-filed the station’s application and sought reinstatement of KTFV’s expired Repack CP and grant of the station’s licenses to cover.
What happened? Entravision says the lack of a filing was “an administrative oversight.”
Yet, this resulted in engaging in an unauthorized operation.
As such, the base fine of $13,000 for failing to file the required form and for operation without the application filing is warranted, Video Division Chief Barbara Kriesman says.
Entravision now has 30 days to pay up or seek a reduction or cancellation of the fine.
