FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2001

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: John Winston (202) 418-7450

Washington, D.C. -- Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed a fine of $140,000 against Peninsula Communications, Inc. (Peninsula). The Commission found that Peninsula apparently failed to comply with an order to cease translator operations in various communities in Alaska. By failing to cease operations, Peninsula violated statutory requirements that transmissions of radio energy can lawfully only be performed with a FCC license. The Commission also found that Peninsula's violations were intentional, which resulted in an upward adjustment to the proposed fine.

As a result of Peninsula's apparent defiance of the Commission's order to cease operations, the Commission also ordered Peninsula to file an affidavit within 10 days. This document must indicate whether Peninsula had ceased operating its translators and whether it intended to operate them at any time in the future absent further Commission or court action authorizing it to do so. The Commission also warned Peninsula that continued operation of the translators after the Commission licenses authorizing such operation had been terminated could place at risk all of Peninsula's other translator and full service radio station licenses.

In a related action, the United States has instituted a legal preceding in Alaska to enjoin Peninsula from further operations of the translators involved in today's Commission action.

Action by the Commission, August 23, 2001, by Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture and Order (FCC 01-242), Chairman Powell, Commissioners Tristani, Abernathy, Copps and Martin. File No. EB-01-IH-0403.

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: John Winston at (202) 418-7450 James Shook at (202) 418-1420