The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been busy issuing orders and taking action against various radio stations across the United States. In a recent development, the FCC has taken a firm stance against two Texas radio licensees, Luis Giraldo's 94.7 KPZX Paducah TX and Ernest Lopez's 94.3 KXTM Benavides TX, for failing to pay their regulatory fees. The former owes $2,856.43 for the years 2021 and 2022, while the latter is behind by $1,849.58 for 2020 and 2021. This is a clear indication of the FCC's commitment to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and it serves as a reminder that no entity, regardless of size or influence, is exempt from these obligations.
The FCC's actions extend beyond fee collection, as they have also initiated a comment period regarding the deletion of a vacant allocation on 105.5 in Selmer TN. This allocation, previously held by WXOQ, was canceled in 2022 and is now considered short-spaced to 105.5 WVNA-FM Muscle Shoals AL by nine kilometers. Such decisions highlight the FCC's ongoing efforts to manage the radio spectrum efficiently and address potential interference issues.
In other developments, several radio stations have been surrendered or returned to the FCC due to various reasons. Mississippi Broadcasters' 1450 WYHL/99.7 W259BP Meridian MS, which had gone silent in December 2025 for financial reasons, has been surrendered. Missouri River Christian Broadcasting's 90.3 KGNN-FM Cuba MO was returned to the FCC after experiencing transmitter and antenna system failures. These actions underscore the challenges faced by radio stations in maintaining their operations and the importance of addressing technical and financial issues promptly.
The list of silent stations is extensive and includes Connoisseur Media's 1410 KGRN Grinnell IA, 106.7 KRTI Grinnell IA, 1280 KCOB Newton IA, and 95.9 KCOB-FM Newton IA, all cited for financial reasons. Holmes County Broadcasting Company's 1000 WXTN Benton MS and 2G Media's 730 WZGV Cramerton NC were silenced due to technical issues and loss of tower sites, respectively. Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission's 88.7 KUNE-FM Columbus NE and Northway Broadcasting's 102.5 KNVR Fallon NV were affected by lightning damage and loss of tower lease, respectively. Phoenix Radio's 1480 WRCK Remsen NY and Broadcast Educational Communications' 90.1 WLWS Scottdale PA experienced transmitter failures, while First Baptist Church of Riverview's 89.5 KGCF Aberdeen WA and Radio Greenbrier's 1310 WSLW White Sulphur Spring WV faced internet connectivity and electrical system damage, respectively.
The FCC has also been proactive in addressing changes in AM and FM stations. Catholic Community Radio's 1380 WPYR Baton Rouge LA is eliminating two of its three towers, switching from directional to non-directional status, and reducing power from 5kW day/62w night to 1.35kW day/65w night. Cedar Cove Broadcasting is upgrading 89.1 KRKU Hillsdale WY from a Class A to C2, increasing power from 300w to 50kW/40m. K-Love Inc.'s 92.3 W222AF Marietta GA has changed its parent signal from 106.7 WAKL Gainesville to 106.7 WAKL Gainesville, relaying 'K-Love' instead of 'K-Love Pop'. Circuitwerkes' 92.5 W223CJ West Palm Beach FL has switched its parent signal from 104.7 WPBB Palm Beach Shores to Spanish Christian 1420 WDJA Delray Beach.
Additionally, Saga Communications' Classic Country 'The Outlaw' 101.5 W268CS Portland ME has changed its primary signal from 970 WZAN Portland to 100.9 WYNZ-HD3 South Portland. Minnesota Public Radio has made changes to its parent signals for several translators in Hinckley MN, moving 'The Current' from 89.3 KCMP Minneapolis to 91.9 WINH-HD2 Hickley. These changes demonstrate the dynamic nature of the radio broadcasting landscape and the FCC's role in overseeing and managing these transitions.
In conclusion, the FCC's actions and decisions in this report showcase their dedication to maintaining a fair and efficient radio broadcasting environment. By addressing fee collection, spectrum management, station operations, and signal changes, the FCC is ensuring that the airwaves remain accessible and compliant. As the radio industry continues to evolve, the FCC's proactive approach is essential in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
