Stray translator hit with fine

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Abacus Television’s WIIC-LP Pittsburgh PA was supposed to be airing on Channel 29, but when FCC agents checked it out 12/6/07, they found it had wondered up the dial a few clicks, all the way to Channel 32.


The station did not dispute the violation, but asked for a reduction of the $4K fine the FCC slapped it with on grounds of financial hardship, along with its history of compliance with FCC rules.

It submitted profit and loss figures for three years, but the FCC wants gross revenue figures in such cases, which WIIC and its sole proprietor, Benjamin Perez, did not provide. Therefore, the FCC did not grant a reduction on financial grounds.

It did, however, allow a discount of $800 for WIIC’s good record, resulting in a final assessment of $3.2K.