FCC dismisses Marion radio station WWGH’s license renewal application (Ohio)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has dismissed a Marion County radio station’s license renewal application.

Administrative Law Judge Jane Hinckley Halprin on Aug. 16 issued an order of dismissal stating that she had “dismissed with prejudice” WWGH-LP’s application for renewal of its license. The Marion Education Exchange (MEE) is the non-profit entity which serves as the licensee for WWGH-LP.

In the order of dismissal, Judge Hinckley Halprin outlined the issues the FCC had with MEE, including what the judge termed as the failure of MEE officials to “fully participate” in the hearing regarding the station’s license. The ruling also stated that Judge Hinckley Halprin had ordered MEE to obtain legal counsel to represent it during the hearing, but MEE did not do so.

“… all FCC licensees, regardless of service, have a duty to know and adhere to applicable rules, respond promptly and completely to Commission inquiries, and comply with Commission orders,” Judge Hinckley Halprin wrote in her order released Aug. 16, 2022. “In the infrequent instance where an application is designated for evidentiary hearing, the rules become more formalized, involving the taking of witness testimony, the introduction of evidence, and the submission of formal pleadings.

Read more – Marion Star: https://bit.ly/3PL0Eyi