Saga Communications, a prominent media company, has taken a strong stance against a pending application for a Low Power FM (LPFM) station in Springfield, Massachusetts. The application, submitted by Iglesia Cristiana Jehova Vive (ICJV) for WJKM-LP (96.9), has sparked a heated debate and raised several concerns. Saga's primary argument revolves around the potential ties between ICJV and a former pirate radio operator, Jonathan Alcantara, and the alleged misrepresentation of key figures in the organization.
In a detailed filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Saga Communications highlights a series of technical and procedural issues with ICJV's application. They argue that the application lacks reasonable assurance of access to the proposed transmitter site, contains conflicting tower information, and fails to meet the necessary criteria for non-adjacent channel changes. One of the most intriguing aspects of this dispute is the potential connection between ICJV and Alcantara, a former pirate radio operator who was warned by the FCC nearly a decade ago for operating an unlicensed Spanish-language station.
Saga's investigation uncovers common telephone numbers, prior FCC filings, and internet records that strongly suggest Alcantara is the same individual. If proven true, this would be a significant red flag, as FCC rules prohibit LPFM grants to applicants associated with unlicensed broadcasting. Additionally, Saga points out Alcantara's involvement in marketing his programming to LPFM stations, further fueling the need for scrutiny.
The company also accuses ICJV of a pattern of behavior that constitutes an abuse of process. They claim that the organization repeatedly files modification applications, only to withdraw them after objections are raised or have them dismissed by FCC staff. This, according to Saga, undermines the integrity of the LPFM modification process and causes unnecessary burden on Commission staff and interested parties.
As a result, Saga Communications is urging the FCC to take several actions. They are requesting the dismissal of the current application with prejudice, the rescission of WJKM-LP's underlying construction permit, and a thorough investigation into ICJV and Alcantara through the Enforcement Bureau. Saga also suggests deferring action on any future applications filed by ICJV until these issues are resolved.
The FCC has yet to make a ruling on Saga's claims, and ICJV has not responded to the allegations. This dispute highlights the complexities and challenges within the LPFM broadcasting landscape, where technical, procedural, and ethical considerations intertwine, leaving the future of WJKM-LP's construction permit in a state of uncertainty.
