The Federal Communications Commission Media Bureau and Apple City Broadcasting Company, Inc., the licensee of WACB-AM and WTLK-AM in Taylorsville, NC, have settled issues concerning the transfer of control of Apple City after the death of its owner.
The Media Bureau found that Apple City failed to file the necessary applications for involuntary transfer of control within 30 days following the deaths of three of its shareholders: William Norris Keever, Mary Alice Teague Brown, and Sara McClain Keever. It was also found that Linda McClain assumed control of Apple City without prior approval from the FCC for the non pro forma transfer of control following the passing of Sara McClain Keever.
Apple City has acknowledged these violations and submitted financial documentation to support a penalty reduction based on its inability to pay. The Consent Decree stipulates a $1,000 civil penalty.
The FCC’s rules require that the commission must be informed of the death or legal disability of an individual who has control over a corporation that is a permittee or licensee within 30 days. An application must then be filed for consent to involuntary assignment of such permit or license or for involuntary transfer of control of such corporation.
