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.
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Key Dates
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