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FCC Fines WMJX Boston For Contest
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(3/8/2013 9:52:29 AM) Flag as inappropriate content
Bob, your comment about the fine being a mere $4,000 is a good one. It is true that a $4K fine has a far different impact upon a group broadcaster than it has upon a rural single station.
But, just as we all strive to avoid traffic tickets no matter what our income level, I similarly know of no radio broadcaster who views an FCC fine as the cost of doing business.
In an FCC proceeding such as this, I suspect that WMJX spent many tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees in addition to the $4K fine to investigate and respond to the FCC. In addition, multiple rule violations can have an adverse impact at license renewal time.
So, in the end analysis, it is not just the amount of the fine that is the deterrent.
John....whatever happened to truth? I think it is still relevant, and if honesty about what a prize really is can't really be understood by anybody, it's back to the drawing board to be sure it can be understood....before the contest is aired.
Ray Holbrook
The forfeiture order states that the fine against WMJX was only $4000. Give me a break! $4000 is like a penny to Greater Media (owners of WMJX), so clearly a possible FCC fine was no deterrent to WMJX not running a deceptive promotion. If FCC fines against stations like WMJX were say a million dollars for dishonest conduct, stations would obviously think twice.
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Add a Comment
(3/8/2013 9:52:29 AM) Flag as inappropriate content
Bob, your comment about the fine being a mere $4,000 is a good one. It is true that a $4K fine has a far different impact upon a group broadcaster than it has upon a rural single station.
But, just as we all strive to avoid traffic tickets no matter what our income level, I similarly know of no radio broadcaster who views an FCC fine as the cost of doing business.
In an FCC proceeding such as this, I suspect that WMJX spent many tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees in addition to the $4K fine to investigate and respond to the FCC. In addition, multiple rule violations can have an adverse impact at license renewal time.
So, in the end analysis, it is not just the amount of the fine that is the deterrent.
- John Garziglia
(3/5/2013 10:35:57 AM) Flag as inappropriate contentJohn....whatever happened to truth? I think it is still relevant, and if honesty about what a prize really is can't really be understood by anybody, it's back to the drawing board to be sure it can be understood....before the contest is aired.
Ray Holbrook
- Ray Holbrook
(3/3/2013 4:06:14 PM) Flag as inappropriate contentThe forfeiture order states that the fine against WMJX was only $4000. Give me a break! $4000 is like a penny to Greater Media (owners of WMJX), so clearly a possible FCC fine was no deterrent to WMJX not running a deceptive promotion. If FCC fines against stations like WMJX were say a million dollars for dishonest conduct, stations would obviously think twice.
- Bob
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