FCC proposed fining Midessa Television $86,400 for allegedly operating three broadcast auxiliary services

The FCC proposed fining Midessa Television $86,400 for allegedly operating three broadcast auxiliary services (BAS) stations without authorizations. Midessa allegedly operated an additional six BAS stations, “all in conjunction with its full power and low power television stations,” the commission said in a notice of apparent liability (http://bit.ly/1EYD5cV). Midessa’s apparent violations continued for years, “including for a substantial time after it became aware of its unauthorized operations, thus warranting a significantly increased penalty,” it said. The FCC declined to downwardly adjust the proposed fine “in light of Midessa’s delayed disclosure of the violations and its lengthy unauthorized operation,” the commission said. Midessa had no immediate comment.