FCC Cites WRLR-LP for Unauthorized Operations
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 3:40pm CT |
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 Federal Communications Commission |
The FCC has issued a Notice of Violation to Rondaradio, Inc., licensee of low-power FM station WRLR-LP in Round Lake Beach, IL, a far-suburban Illinois community north of Chicago. The NOV cites the station for operating with unauthorized technical facilities and for an improperly located studio transmitter link.
According to the notice released May 14 by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, an agent from the bureau's Columbia Office conducted inspections on January 12, 2026, at the station's transmitter site in North Shore Park, IL and at its studio facilities in Round Lake Beach.
The FCC said WRLR-LP was licensed to operate with a two-bay antenna and transmitter output power of 26 watts. However, inspectors found the station operating with a three-bay antenna and transmitter power increased to 40 watts. The notice states that Rondaradio President Carl Watwood admitted the modifications had been made without FCC authorization.
The commission also cited the station's aural studio transmitter link, WQKA896, for operating from an unauthorized location. According to the FCC, the STL had been licensed for a former studio location in Round Lake Heights but was found operating approximately 0.8 miles away from the station's current studios in Round Lake Beach.
The FCC directed Rondaradio to submit a written response within 20 days explaining the violations, detailing corrective actions taken, and outlining plans to prevent future violations.
The Enforcement Bureau noted that the Notice of Violation does not preclude further enforcement action, including possible monetary forfeitures.
