The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reached a Consent Decree with MHR License LLC and MRR License LLC, the licensees of multiple radio stations operated by Max Media.
The FCC’s review of the licensees’ applications uncovered ownership changes that had led to an unauthorized transfer of control. To resolve these issues, the decree requires MHR and MRR to pay a $15,000 civil penalty to the U.S. Treasury and implement a compliance plan to prevent future violations, which the companies have admitted and agreed to.
Since 2009, the company underwent a series of ownership changes, including outside investors abandoning their interests, shares being redistributed to previous shareholders, and conversions from limited liability to corporate structures. Collectively, these changes amounted to a non-routine transfer of control that required FCC approval, which was never obtained.
In 2022, the companies withdrew their original short-form applications and filed amended voluntary transfer applications to address compliance issues. Under the Consent Decree, the licensees must maintain compliance by submitting reports and adhering to a compliance plan over the next three years. Provided the companies fulfill their obligations, the FCC will terminate its investigation.
The FCC has closed its investigation and determined that the licensees for the stations in Virginia, Missouri, Illinois, and other locations listed in the decree’s appendix are qualified to continue holding their licenses.
