FCC Clear as Mud on DTV Chart Mistake.(Federal Communications Commission)(digital television)

Broadcasting & Cable, June, 2009 by Eggerton, John

By John Eggerton

Failing to properly correct an important station list causes confusion and concern

The FCC under acting Chairman Michael Copps has launched an effort to boost minority station ownership. The same commission has also constantly reminded stations that "inadvertence"--as in making a mistake--is not an acceptable excuse, punctuating its point by citing and even fining stations for various infractions.

Such zero tolerance, however, clearly does not apply to the FCC itself. DuJuan McCoy, an African-American businessman who is buying seven TV stations, pending FCC approval, sought help last week from a rather unhelpful commission over its own mistake. The FCC had incorrectly put the station group's Fox affiliate, KXVA Abilene, on...

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