[Note: The story below has been corrected. The final fine was $8K, not $2K.]
What happens when the public file is found to be lacking at a noncommercial FM? As Emerson College, licensee of WERS-FM Boston just found out, a hefty fine is often the result. The station was missing program/issues lists for three and a half years dating back to 1998 through 2002. The FCC didn’t get around to assessing a fine until 2006, during the license renewal process, but when it did, it was for $10K. The College argued it had taken remedial action and that the fine was excessive. The FCC responded that corrective measures are expected and the fine is standard. It did knock it down by $2K to $8K for overall compliance.
