FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2004

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Janice Wise at (202) 418-7450 Janice.Wise@FCC.GOV

Washington, D.C.ūThe Federal Communications Commission has amended Section 1.80(b) of its Rules to increase the maximum monetary forfeiture penalties available to it. This action implements the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, 28 U.S.C. § 2461, which requires federal agencies to adjust maximum statutory civil monetary penalties at least once every four years to reflect inflation.

The amendment of Section 1.80(b) will be effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register and will apply to violations that occur after the effective date. The new maximum amounts will be as follows: (1) for broadcasters and cable operators -- $32,500 per violation or per day of a continuing violation with the amount for a continuing violation not to exceed $325,000; (2) for common carriers -- $130,000 per violation or per day of a continuing violation with the amount for a continuing violation not to exceed $1.325 million; and (3) for others -- $11,000 per violation or per day of a continuing violation with the amount for a continuing violation not to exceed $97,500.

The Commission's action does not affect the base forfeiture amounts specified in Section 1.80(b)(4) of the Rules.

Action by the Commission, June 14, 2004, Order (FCC 04-139). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin, and Adelstein.

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: Janice Wise at (202) 418-7450 and Kathy Berthot at (202) 418-7454.