FCC Fines District 99 Radio Station $1K For Rule Noncompliance

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The radio station maintained by Community High School District 99 has incurred a $1,000 from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for noncompliance, according to a recent consent decree with the FCC.

Per the document, the noncompliance issues recently investigated involving WDGC-FM included:

• Failing to notify the FCC no later than the 10th day if any period of silence
• Failing to request authorization from the FCC for any period of silence that exceeds 30 days
• Failing to file biennial ownership reports
• Failing to submit a Broadcast Equal Employment Opportunity Program Report with its license renewal application
• Failing to upload copies of its issues and programs lists to its online public inspection file

The FCC document contends that WDGC-FM requested Special Temporary Authority (STA) on Sept. 24, 2019, to stay silent while in the process of “undergoing facility remodeling and equipment replacement." The FCC found that WDGC-FM had already "discontinued operations" June 1, 2019, meaning the station had been silent for more than three months before requesting the STA.

On Oct. 10, 2019, the FCC granted WDGC-FM's request to stay silent for no more than 180 days. That STA was extended on March 17, 2020, after the radio station made a request that cited ongoing technical problems, per the FCC.

A further extension was requested by the radio station on June 1, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The extension was granted July 15 to be effective until Dec. 2, 2020.

WDGC-FM was back on the air as of Nov. 14, 2020, per the FCC document.

In addition to paying the $1,000 fee, WDGC-FM must complete a compliance plan and submit its Equal Employment Opportunity Program Report to the FCC.