FCC Issues Violation Notices to Two Co-Owned Illinois Stations

Why It Matters

Non‑compliant tower lighting and registration create aviation safety hazards and expose broadcasters to costly FCC penalties, threatening their operating licenses.

Key Takeaways

• FCC cited missing white obstruction lights on WIBV antenna for 21 months
• WKRO tower paint faded, no lighting; failed FAA obstruction registration
• Stratemeyer admitted outdated ownership records and delayed repairs
• Both stations have 20 days to respond or face penalties

Pulse Analysis

The Federal Communications Commission enforces strict standards for broadcast antenna structures because they intersect with aviation safety. Any tower that rises within a 100‑to‑1 slope of an airport must be equipped with white obstruction lights, painted to FAA‑approved colors, and registered with the FCC within five days of ownership changes. These requirements are designed to keep aircraft from colliding with structures, and non‑compliance can lead to enforcement actions that range from fines to license revocation.

In the recent case, Stratemeyer Media’s WIBV (102.1 FM) in Mount Vernon ran without the mandated white lighting for nearly two years, a lapse first noted by an FCC inspector in January 2025. Meanwhile, WKRO (1490 AM) in Cairo suffered from severely faded, flaking paint and a complete lack of lighting, violating both FCC and FAA standards. The stations’ owner, Benjamin Stratemeyer, also failed to update the FCC’s ownership database after the tower changed hands, compounding the regulatory breach. Both violations were documented by FCC field agents, prompting formal notices of violation.

The repercussions extend beyond the two stations. Broadcasters nationwide must treat tower compliance as a core operational responsibility, not an afterthought. The 20‑day response window forces owners to submit detailed remediation plans, including contractor timelines and proof of corrected lighting and painting. Ignoring these mandates can result in monetary penalties, suspension of broadcast authority, or mandatory tower dismantlement. As the industry modernizes with taller, more complex structures, proactive maintenance and timely filings are essential to avoid costly enforcement and ensure uninterrupted service to listeners.