The owner of two low-power television stations serving a town along the Kootenay River in Idaho could be on the hook for a financial penalty for being late with its license to cover applications, resulting in unauthorized operations of the TV translator stations.
Boundary County TV Translator District (BCT) ended up operating K46HZ-D and K50GL-D in Bonners Ferry, Idaho after their construction permits had expired.
As such, Video Division Chief Barbara Kreisman believes BCT is liable for a $13,000 penalty for its transgressions.
BCT admits that it failed to timely file licenses to cover as required by section 74.788 of the Rules. This meant the licensee continued operating the LPTVs after the displacement CPs expired … and before filing the applications to cover more than 20 months later.
What happened? BCT explained that it completed construction of the stations’ displacement facilities in accordance with their displacement CPs and commenced operation of those facilities well before their expiration dates. But BCT admits that it overlooked submitting the licenses to cover due to a misunderstanding with its former consulting engineer. Thus, BCT was under the impression that the applications had been filed.
Kreisman was non-plussed, noting, “applicants and licensees are responsible for the errors of their staff, including contractors.”
In particular, she took note of the fact BCT engaged in unauthorized operation of the LPTV stations for nearly four years.
In light of the facts and circumstances, the applications will be acted upon once the forfeiture proceeding concludes. It’s now up to BCT to pay the fine or seek a reduction or cancellation due to financial concerns.
