The catch? In this case there are several. If you fail to have operating EAS equipment; if you do not have a public file; and it you decide on your own to move your transmitter; for any of these reasons, the FCC can and will fine you – and it knows how to add.
Not only will WHPR-FM Highland Park MI (in the Detroit market) have to pay a hefty fine, it is on reporting conditions on penalty of perjury to attest that it is operating in compliance with all FCC rules and regulations.
The FCC found that the station had moved its transmitter a hair less than a half mile away from its licensed location. The noncommercial station, owned by R.J.’s Late Night Entertainment Corporation, said it was unaware that such a minor move required FCC approval.
Upon checking on the transmitter issue, the FCC discovered the lack of EAS equipment and the total lack of a public file. Despite the fact that the file is supposed to be available at the station itself, the FCC was told it was formerly kept at a local library, and has not been kept at all since the library closed.
The EAS violation cost $8K, the operation from an unauthorized location cost $4K and the public file violation cost $10K, adding up to the $22K total.
The station is a Class D on 88.1 MHz with 12 Watts at 105’.
