After receiving an unusual one-year license extension in April, the owner of a Contemporary Christian Idaho AM is surrendering its license for cancelation.
KPCQ-AM in Chubbock, Idaho, owned by Ted Austin-owned Snake River Radio, had been under investigation by the Media Bureau for potentially being silent for more than the legally allowed twelve consecutive months.
Following KPCQ’s initial acquisition by Snake River, the lease for its tower site lapsed. Subsequent construction activity at the site led to the destruction of antennas used for broadcasting, leaving the station mostly unable to broadcast. The FCC typically considers site-related issues to be within the licensee’s control, yet, in this case, Administrative Law Judge Jane Hinckley Halprin ruled that the station’s license had not been automatically canceled since it was not off the air for more than the allowed twelve months.
However, Halprin also found that KPCQ did not meet other renewal standards. Consequently, instead of the standard eight-year renewal, KPCQ was granted a one-year license renewal, highlighting the station’s unique circumstances and challenges.
The Enforcement Bureau filed exceptions to this decision, challenging the ALJ’s findings. However, following Snake River’s decision to cease operations and cancel its license, these proceedings have become irrelevant. The FCC, exercising its delegated authority, has vacated the initial decision, dismissed the renewal application and related exceptions, and terminated the proceeding. The Media Bureau is directed to take the necessary steps to cancel KPCQ’s license and call sign.
— By Cameron Coats, for Radio Ink
Read the Radio + Television Business Report’s coverage on how Ted Austin was able to continue operating KPCQ-AM by clicking here.
