Best Country Broadcasting at Risk Over Regulatory Fee Debts
Published 4:03 pm Friday, October 27, 2023
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BOGALUSA, La. – Best Country Broadcasting, LLC, which operates WBOX(AM) in Bogalusa and WBOX-FM in Varnado, is possibly losing its licenses due to unpaid regulatory fees. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated proceedings to revoke the licenses of Best Country Broadcasting based on the company’s failure to pay regulatory fees, including associated interest, penalties, and administrative costs to the FCC, spanning several fiscal years.
According to the Communications Act of 1934, the FCC is responsible for assessing and collecting regulatory fees to cover the costs of its operations. Failure to pay fees on time incurs a late payment penalty of 25% of the overdue amount.
Best Country Broadcasting currently has outstanding regulatory fee debts totaling $13,292.80 for both WBOX(AM) and WBOX-FM from fiscal year 2002 to 2022. Despite several attempts by the FCC to collect the outstanding fees, Best Country Broadcasting has failed to settle the debts. As a result, the FCC has invoked its authority under the Communications Act and FCC rules to consider revoking the licenses held by the company.
The FCC has directed Best Country Broadcasting to either pay the outstanding regulatory fee debt within sixty (60) calendar days or present a compelling argument as to why the fees should be waived or deferred. Failure to comply with this order may result in the revocation of the licenses held by Best Country Broadcasting for WBOX(AM) and WBOX-FM.