The company that seeks to win regulatory approval of its proposed sale to Nexstar Media Group could be one step closer to getting that OK. That’s because it has just resolved an online public file rule violation by signing a Consent Decree with the Video Division Chief of the FCC Media Bureau.
The matter involves a satellite station of TEGNA-owned KPNX-12 in Mesa, Ariz., KNAZ-2 in Flagstaff, Ariz. This brings the NBC station’s over-the-air programming to Northern Arizona.
Compliance with sections 73.3526(e)(11)(i)(ii) of the Commission’s rules (Rules), which require full service television stations to maintain an online public inspection file (OPIF) and place issues/programs lists and records concerning Commercial Limits during children’s programming into the Station’s OPIF at the required intervals, was not met by KNAZ.
Upon review of the station’s OPIF, Division staff identified 14 issues/programs lists that were not uploaded in a timely manner; staff also identified nine Commercial Limits Certifications that were not uploaded in a timely manner.
It puts the green light on the renewal of KNAZ’s license, which saw TEGNA file a license renewal application for in late May 2022.
And, to resolve the matter, TEGNA Sr. VP/Chief Legal Officer Alex Tolston signed off on a $6,000 civil penalty, payable to the Treasury Department. Agreeing to the Consent Decree on behalf of the FCC is Video Division Chief David J. Brown.
