PA Radio: FCC Upholds Revocation of License For WQZS

Roger Wahl

The FCC has taken final decisive action regarding WQZS 93.3 FM in Somerset County, PA Here are the key details:

License Revocation: The FCC has upheld its earlier ruling to revoke the license of WQZS, a Class A FM station owned and operated by Roger Wahl 1. This revocation was effective as of April 4 1.

Background on Roger Wahl:

• Convicted Felon: Roger Wahl, the station owner, is a convicted felon.
• Criminal Charges: In July 2020, Wahl pleaded guilty to several crimes in Somerset County court, including taking nude photos of a woman inside her home using a hidden camera. He then used these pictures to solicit requests for sexual advances on her behalf via an online dating site.
• Wahl pleaded guilty on July 8, 2020, to a felony charge of criminal use of a communications facility, and misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment, unlawful dissemination of an intimate image, tampering with evidence and identity theft.
• Wahl was sentenced on Nov. 17, 2020. He was placed on probation for three years, with four months of electronic monitoring. He was also forbidden from being on the air during the electronic monitoring.

FCC Investigation: The FCC initiated proceedings to revoke WQZS’s license due to Wahl’s criminal record.

Revocation Decision: In April 2023, the FCC officially revoked Wahl’s license after an order from Administrative Law Judge Jane Hinckley Halprin, who found that Wahl had waived his right to a hearing by not meeting hearing obligations.

Wahl’s Arguments: Wahl filed an application for review (AFR), citing poor health as the reason for missing deadlines during the proceedings. He also argued that his community advocacy and public service qualified him to remain a broadcast licensee.

FCC’s Decision: The FCC dismissed Wahl’s attempts to introduce new evidence. They analyzed factors such as the seriousness of his felony, lack of candor, and overall compliance record. Ultimately, they found the factors weighed heavily in favor of license revocation.