In this column from Alternative FCC inspector Ken Benner, the FCC and its willingness to profit from alleged violations is compared to lawyers who are eager and ready to collect for any error in judgment or practice. His advice: Back up everything you say and do in writing, even if the task is ludicrous and a waste of time and talent.
By Ken Benner
For those of you who have suffered through one of my seminars or inspections, you no doubt recall the phrase “If it ain’t in black and white … it ain’t.”
I learned that lesson the hard way when I first began writing newspaper columns and took on a corrupt politician who had scammed the government out of a very large amount of money.
Fortunately, I had saved a transcript of his interrogation and newspaper clips documenting his scam. I also have newspaper articles documenting his subsequent trip behind bars, when he threatened to sue me for libel.
There is always a lawyer ready and willing to make a chunk of money for some inadvertent misstep. It is much the same for most any FCC alleged violation — no matter how small, real or perceived.
