Area school fights $7,000 FCC fine http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091006/LOCAL04/310069922 The Columbia City High School radio station continues to appeal a $7,000 fine by the Federal Communications Commission.
The high school, which runs WJHS 91.5 “The Eagle,” was notified in 2007 it was operating without a proper license, said Anthony Zickgraf, director of business and operations for Whitley County Consolidated Schools. The radio station’s operator at the time didn’t file the proper paperwork to renew the license, Zickgraf said. So the FCC wanted $7,000. School officials admit they were in the wrong in allowing the license to expire, but since Columbia City High had never been fined before, they asked the FCC to waive the fine. Zickgraf said it was also pointed out how much a $7,000 fine would affect a school district already facing budget cuts. “We’re just saying being a public school corporation with limited funds, we’re asking them to waive or lower the assessment of the $7,000,” Zickgraf said. “We’re just asking for a little forgiveness here.” The radio station filed an appeal with the FCC in 2007, and last week – 31 months later – officials received word they were denied. Zickgraf said there are plans to file a second appeal. About 30 students each semester take a class at the school where they run the 24-hour radio station and act as disc jockeys and reporters, Zickgraf said. The station also broadcasts school board meetings, wrestling matches and basketball and football games, he said. “It’s a good learning tool for students who have an interest in broadcasting,” Zickgraf said. ksoderl...@jg.net *********************************** * POST TO MEDIANEWS@ETSKYWARN.NET * *********************************** Medianews mailing list Medianews@etskywarn.net http://lists.etskywarn.net/mailman/listinfo/medianews
