Federal Communications Commission Revokes Broadcasting Permits for Two Radio Stations in Southeastern Texas
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken action against Kremling Enterprises, stripping them of their licenses for two radio stations in Southeast Texas—KYKM(FM) in Yoakum and KTXM(FM) in Hallettsville—due to a seven-year failure to pay required station regulatory fees.
According to the FCC, as of April 2025, Kremling's overdue regulatory fee debt totaled $14,223, covering years 2017 to 2024. This persistent non-payment violated FCC regulations, leading to the revocation of the licenses.
Initially airing in 1981 as KYOC, country music station KYKM and its sister station KTXM, added in 1998, both operated as Class A stations under the moniker "Texas Thunder Radio."
As per the Communications Act of 1934, the FCC collects annual regulatory fees from radio stations to fund its operations. Delayed or incomplete payments can attract penalties equivalent to 25% of the unpaid fees. Alternatively, the commission may revoke station authorizations for persistent non-payment, as was the case with Kremling.
Prior to revocation, the FCC issued demands for payment and an Order to Pay or Show Cause to Kremling. Despite this, the commission stated that no payment had been received, and Kremling had not filed a response to the order as of the time of the revocation. Consequently, all station operations were required to cease immediately.
In conjunction with the revocation order, the FCC has also dismissed the pending renewal applications for KYKM and KTXM. Kremling will still owe the commission the unpaid regulatory fees and related interest/penalties.
Broadcasters are urged to ensure timely payment of regulatory fees to avoid such administrative actions, as the loss of licenses is a severe penalty. This case serves as a reminder to all in the industry of the importance of regulatory compliance to secure and maintain broadcast rights.
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As a result of Kremling's failure to pay the required regulatory fees for over seven years, totaling $14,223 from 2017 to 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revoked their licenses for KYKM(FM) and KTXM(FM), previously known as "Texas Thunder Radio." This persistant non-payment, in violation of FCC regulations, led to the loss of broadcast rights, as the commission may also dismiss pending renewal applications, as was the case with Kremling. Additionally, media outlets must ensure timely payments of regulatory fees to prevent such administrative actions, as the loss of licenses is a severe penalty in the general-news and sports industries.
