Max Media to Pay $15,000 Under FCC Concent Decree

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 12, 2024

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The FCC has entered into a Consent Decree with MHR License LLC and MRR License LLC, both licensees of various radio stations operated under Max Media. The decree resolves issues identified during the FCC's review of applications determining that changes in the ownership structure of the licensees had resulted in an unauthorized transfer of control. MHR and MRR admitted to these violations and agreed to pay a $15,000 civil penalty to the U.S. Treasury as part of the resolution. They also committed to implementing a compliance plan to prevent future violations.

The violations were linked to multiple changes in the companies' ownership since 2009, including the abandonment of interests by outside investors, redistribution of shares to previously attributable shareholders, and conversions within the ownership structure from limited liability companies to corporations. These changes collectively constituted a non-pro forma transfer of control, requiring FCC approval, which was not obtained.

To address these issues and come into compliance, the companies withdrew their original short-form applications and filed amended voluntary transfer applications in 2022. The Consent Decree requires the licensees to maintain compliance, including submitting reports and adhering to a compliance plan over the next three years. The FCC will terminate its investigation, provided the companies fulfill their obligations under the decree.

This resolution covers stations in Virginia, Missouri, and Illinois, among others, as listed in the appendix of the decree. The FCC's investigation has been closed, and the licensees have been found qualified to continue holding their licenses.