Saga Communications has filed a compelling complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging a series of technical and ethical issues with a proposed LPFM station in Springfield, MA. This dispute centers on the application submitted by Iglesia Cristiana Jehova Vive (ICJV) for WJKM-LP (94.3 FM), which seeks to relocate the transmitter site and change frequencies. Saga's complaint highlights multiple concerns, including potential ties to a former pirate radio operator, conflicting information in the application, and a pattern of evasive behavior by ICJV.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this case is the potential connection between Jonathan Alcantara, an ICJV director or operations manager, and a former pirate radio operator. Saga argues that the same name and common telephone numbers, along with prior FCC filings and internet records, strongly suggest a link. If proven, this would be a significant issue, 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 raising questions about his role and potential conflicts of interest.
Saga's complaint also highlights a pattern of ICJV filing modification applications and then withdrawing them after objections are raised or dismissed by FCC staff. This behavior, according to Saga, constitutes an abuse of process, as it delays the construction of the station and burdens the Commission and interested parties with repetitive filings. The company argues that this pattern undermines the integrity of the LPFM authorization process.
The technical issues raised by Saga are also noteworthy. The company claims that the application fails to demonstrate reasonable assurance of access to the proposed transmitter site and contains conflicting tower information. Additionally, the application does not satisfy FCC rules governing non-adjacent channel changes, and the proposed channel change is argued to worsen interference rather than reduce it. These technical defects further support Saga's call for a thorough investigation by the Enforcement Bureau.
In conclusion, Saga's complaint presents a complex and multifaceted issue. The potential ties to a former pirate radio operator, the pattern of evasive behavior, and the technical defects all raise serious questions about the integrity of the LPFM authorization process. The FCC's decision on Saga's complaint will have significant implications for the future of LPFM stations and the broader media landscape in Springfield, MA.
