WBAI 99.5 FM, operated by the Pacifica Foundation in New York, has entered into a Consent Decree with the FCC due to violations related to underwriting language and non-disclosure of sponsored programming. Here are the key details:
Violation Details: Several programs aired on WBAI between June 2014 to April 2022 allegedly failed to provide proper sponsorship identification.
Violations occurred during broadcasts of shows such as:
- “The Gary Null Show”.
- “Christine Blosdale Special”.
- “Off The Hook”.
- Consent Decree Terms:
WBAI acknowledges its violations of the FCC’s Underwriting Laws and Sponsorship ID Rules.
The station has agreed to: Pay a $25,000 penalty and abide by a limited two-year license renewal to ensure future compliance. The fine will be paid in five monthly installments of $5,000.
If any payment is missed by even one day, the remainder of the penalty will accrue interest using the U.S. Prime Rate plus 4.75%. The station expects a 35-40% reduction in revenue due to discontinuing the problematic programs.
WBAI also faces other financial challenges, including over $200,000 in debt owed for its transmitter site lease and to a call center.
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