El Paso Radio Drama: FCC Digs into Shady Deals
Published Date: 2/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is holding a hearing about 97.5 Licensee TX, LLC’s request to transfer control of three El Paso radio stations. They’re checking if the current owner followed the rules, if an unauthorized transfer happened, and if everyone involved is honest and qualified. If you want to join the hearing, you must act by March 26, 2026—this could affect who runs these stations and how they operate.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Risk of License Revocation or Transfer Denial
The FCC has designated issues for hearing about possible misrepresentation, lack of candor, and unauthorized transfers; the hearing will decide whether the licenses for KBNA-FM, KAMA(AM), and KQBU(AM) should be revoked under Section 312(a)(1) of the Communications Act or whether the pending transfer applications should be granted, dismissed, or denied. A finding against the licensee or proposed buyer could result in revocation of licenses or denial of the transfer.
Transfer Application Put On Hold; Hearing Set
The FCC has put the March 14, 2023 transfer application for three El Paso radio stations (KBNA-FM, KAMA(AM), and KQBU(AM)) in abeyance and designated substantial questions of fact for a hearing before an administrative law judge. If you want to participate as a party, file a petition for leave to intervene by March 26, 2026; the licensee and proposed buyer must file a written appearance within twenty (20) days of the mailing of this Hearing Designation Order to state they will appear and present evidence.
Investigation of Possible Unauthorized Foreign Control
The record raises questions whether control of the El Paso stations was transferred to a non-U.S. citizen (Lorena Margarita Pérez Toscano) without prior FCC approval, including evidence that a company owned by the proposed buyer began programming and operating the stations in December 2022 and that the buyer acquired the right to collect a multi‑million dollar debt. The hearing will examine whether an unauthorized de facto transfer to a foreign national occurred in violation of Sections 310(b) and 310(d) and related FCC rules.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20590, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking for your thoughts on how it collects info about radiofrequency safety rules. This affects individuals, businesses, and governments who must report or share info sometimes. They want to make the process easier and clearer, especially for small businesses, and need your comments by December 7, 2026.
2026-20681, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to comment on a paperwork update aimed at making things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want your thoughts by November 9, 2026, to help reduce the hassle and keep everything running smoothly. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary forms and save time and money.
2026-20607, Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on their paperwork plans to make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want feedback by November 9, 2026, to help reduce the time and hassle of filling out forms. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary paperwork and save everyone time and money.
2026-20591, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for TV stations using Next Gen TV technology to make sure they're not too tricky or time-consuming. Businesses, governments, and nonprofits involved with local TV broadcasts might need to share info, but the FCC wants to keep it simple and clear. If you have thoughts, speak up by December 7, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and fair without extra costs or hassle.
2026-20676, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for cable companies and local governments to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts on how to make the process easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by December 7, 2026—this helps keep things fair and smooth for everyone involved.
2026-20464, Radio Broadcasting Services; Selmer, Tennessee
The FCC is removing a vacant FM radio channel (288A) in Selmer, Tennessee, because it’s too close to another station and breaks spacing rules. This change affects radio broadcasters and helps keep the airwaves clear and fair. The rule takes effect on November 12, 2026, with no costs involved for the public.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03587, Advisory Committee; Gastrointestinal Drugs Advisory Committee; Renewal
The FDA is renewing the Gastrointestinal Drugs Advisory Committee for two more years, keeping it active until March 3, 2028. This committee helps the FDA make sure medicines for stomach and liver problems are safe and work well. Doctors, patients, and drug makers all benefit from this continued expert advice, with no new costs or big changes announced.
Next: 2026-03589, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements
The FDA wants to hear from companies that make, package, label, or store dietary supplements about their current manufacturing rules. They’re asking for feedback on how they collect information to make sure supplements are safe and high-quality. If you’re involved in dietary supplements, you’ve got until April 27, 2026, to share your thoughts—no extra costs, just your voice!