The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been busy with a series of actions, including issuing Orders to Pay or Show Cause to two Texas radio licensees for unpaid regulatory fees. Luis Giraldo's 94.7 KPZX Paducah TX owes $2,856.43 for fees from 2021 and 2022, while Ernest Lopez's 94.3 KXTM Benavides TX owes $1,849.58 from 2020 and 2021. These fees are a reminder of the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements in the broadcasting industry.
The FCC is also taking action to address a vacant allocation on 105.5 in Selmer TN, previously held by WXOQ. The commission is proposing to delete this allocation due to its proximity to 105.5 WVNA-FM Muscle Shoals AL, which is just nine kilometers away. This move highlights the FCC's ongoing efforts to optimize the radio spectrum and ensure efficient use of available frequencies.
In other news, several license cancellations and silent stations have been reported. Mississippi Broadcasters has surrendered the former 'Fox Sports Meridian' 1450 WYHL/99.7 W259BP Meridian MS, which had gone silent in December 2025 due to financial reasons. Missouri River Christian Broadcasting's 90.3 KGNN-FM Cuba MO was returned to the FCC after going silent last July due to transmitter and antenna system failures. These developments underscore the challenges faced by radio stations in maintaining operations and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
Connoisseur Media has also been affected by financial reasons, with the closure of four stations in Iowa, including 1410 KGRN Grinnell IA, 106.7 KRTI Grinnell IA, 1280 KCOB Newton IA, and 95.9 KCOB-FM Newton IA. Holmes County Broadcasting Company's 1000 WXTN Benton MS and 2G Media's 730 WZGV Cramerton NC have also been silent due to technical and site-related issues. Additionally, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission's 88.7 KUNE-FM Columbus NE and Northway Broadcasting's 102.5 KNVR Fallon NV have faced challenges due to lightning damage and loss of tower lease, respectively.
The FCC has also been monitoring changes in AM and FM stations. Catholic Community Radio's 1380 WPYR Baton Rouge LA is proposing to eliminate two of its three towers, switching from directional to non-directional status, and reducing power from 5kW day/62w night to 1.35kW day/65w night. Cedar Cove Broadcasting is applying to upgrade 89.1 KRKU Hillsdale WY from a Class A to C2, increasing power from 300w to 50kW/40m. K-Love Inc.'s 92.3 W222AF Marietta GA has changed its parent signal, and Circuitwerkes' 92.5 W223CJ West Palm Beach FL has also made a similar adjustment.
Saga Communications' Classic Country 'The Outlaw' 101.5 W268CS Portland ME has changed its primary signal, and Minnesota Public Radio has made changes to its parent signals for several translators in Hinckley MN. Call letter changes have also been noted, with 88.5 WQJS Clewiston FL becoming WQCP, 91.5 WGTL Greenville MS becoming WLRG, and other similar transitions.
These actions by the FCC demonstrate its commitment to maintaining a robust and efficient broadcasting landscape. While some stations face challenges and cancellations, the FCC continues to monitor and address issues to ensure the smooth operation of the radio spectrum. As the industry evolves, these regulatory measures play a crucial role in shaping the future of broadcasting.
