Best Country Broadcasting, the licensee for WBOX-AM and WBOX in southeastern Louisiana, is at risk of losing those licenses due to substantial unpaid regulatory fees to the Federal Communications Commission. The debt, according to Commission records, dates back as far as 2002 and includes unpaid fees for multiple fiscal years.
BCB owner Ben Strickland acquired the stations in 2002 for $150,000, and has amassed debts in the thousands of dollars for each station. Despite demand letters and attempts by the US Treasury to collect the fees, BCB has not responded.
The FCC is now taking action, requiring BCB to pay all associated interest, penalties, and administrative costs. The licensee has also been given the option to show cause as to why the payment is either inapplicable or should be deferred or waived.
If the debts are not settled or justified, the stations could lose their licenses, affecting radio service in the region.
