ALJ Orders Short-Term Renewal for Snake River

Snake River Radio’s KPCQ(AM) Chubbuck, Idaho won’t have its license canceled but will receive a short-term license renewal of only one year, ruled FCC Administrative Law Judge Jane Halprin in an order Wednesday (see 2212130058). The preponderance of the evidence showed Snake River’s conflicting statements to the Media Bureau about its tower being dismantled were the result of a misunderstanding by the company’s attorney. The short license term is due to Snake River’s multiple public file violations and long periods of silence, Halprin said. “Short term renewal will give the Commission a chance to properly evaluate Snake River’s continued adherence to the Communications Act and Commission rules,” the order said. Snake River argued a shorter-term license is the more appropriate punishment for its violations, and in her order, Halprin said the matter likely would never have been designated for hearing if it weren't for the concerns about the tower discrepancies.