Investigation into the Political File Practices of OTA Broadcasting, Licensee of Station KAXT-CD

The Federal Communications Commission has entered into a Consent Decree to resolve an investigation into the political file practices of OTA Broadcasting, licensee of Station KAXT-CD, San Francisco, CA.

Section 315(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 and Section 73.1943 of the Commission’s Rules require licensees to maintain political files for public inspection that contain specific information about certain types of political advertisements. In November 2016, the FCC opened an investigation into whether OTA Broadcasting had failed to place required information into Station KAXT-CD’s political file for paid political advertisements by or on behalf of legally qualified candidates for the California State Assembly. The investigation revealed a number of omissions. s. To settle this matter, OTA Broadcasting has agreed to establish a program among all of the broadcast stations of which it is the licensee to ensure their future compliance with the political file disclosure obligations. In addition, OTA has agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $32,000 for its past misconduct.