A Michigan radio broadcaster, Sovereign Communications, LLC, faces potential revocation of licenses for its seven stations after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an "Order to Pay or Show Cause".
The FCC's Media Bureau and Office of Managing Director initiated revocation proceedings due to $37,250.51 in unpaid regulatory fees, plus penalties, interest, and administrative costs, spanning fiscal years 2021 through 2024 (with some sources noting gaps like 2022 possibly partial or misstated in summaries, but the total balance is confirmed).Sovereign has 60 days from the order's release (until mid-April 2026) to either:Pay the full amount (or apply an existing $9,200+ overpayment credit toward it), or demonstrate why the fees are inapplicable, should be waived, deferred, or otherwise excused.
Failure to comply could result in the FCC revoking the licenses for all seven stations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.The affected stations include:
- In Sault Ste. Marie: Rock 101 WSUE (101.3 FM), CHR “99.5 Yes FM” WYSS (99.5 FM), News Talk 1400 WKNW (1400 AM), and soft AC WSOO (1230 AM).
- In Newberry: Classic hits “Oldies 93” WNBY-FM (93.9 FM) and country WNBY (1450 AM).
- In Pickford: “Country 105” WMKD (105.5 FM).The largest portions of the debt tie to the FM stations, with over $9,500 owed for WSUE, and more than $7,000 each for WYSS and WMKD; smaller amounts apply to the AM facilities.
FCC annual regulatory fees fund the agency's operations and are mandatory for most broadcasters (with exemptions for noncommercial stations, small obligations under ~$1,000 thresholds in some years, etc.). Late payments trigger a 25% penalty plus accruing interest.
This action aligns with the FCC's ongoing enforcement against delinquent fees, as seen in similar recent cases involving Georgia licensees and others. Sovereign can contact the FCC to resolve the matter or seek relief based on hardship or error. No response from Sovereign has been publicly detailed yet.