FCC Orders Texas Licensee to Pay Fees or Face Revocation

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 3:37pm CT

Federal Communications Commission

The FCC has ordered Mekaddesh Group Corporation to either pay nearly $18,500 in overdue regulatory fees or demonstrate why the debt should be waived, warning that failure to comply could result in the loss of its FM station license.

In an Order to Pay or Show Cause released March 24, the FCC said the licensee of KZAM-FM, Pleasant Valley, Texas, has failed to pay required regulatory fees for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, along with associated penalties, interest and administrative costs.

The Commission reported that unpaid fees for KZAM total $2,025.25 for FY 2024 and $1,875 for FY 2025. Additional debts tied to seven previously surrendered FM stations and one canceled low-power TV facility bring the total outstanding balance to $18,499.29.

According to the order, the FCC had previously issued demand letters and referred the delinquent debt to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection. After those efforts failed, the matter was returned to the Commission for further action.

Under federal law, the FCC is required to assess regulatory fees and impose a 25% penalty for late or unpaid balances. The agency also has authority to revoke broadcast licenses when fees remain unpaid.

The Commission has given Mekaddesh Group 60 days from the release date of the order to either pay the full amount owed or provide documented justification for why the fees should be waived or deferred. Failure to respond could result in revocation of the KZAM(FM) license.

The order notes that any request for relief must demonstrate extraordinary circumstances, such as financial hardship, supported by detailed documentation.