Corporate radio giant Saga Communications is forcing a critical legal showdown at the Federal Communications Commission by demanding an immediate investigation into a Massachusetts low-power FM applicant. This dispute matters deeply to radio programmers, rights holders, and industry executives because it tests the FCC’s strict enforcement of rules barring applicants with ties to unlicensed broadcasting from obtaining construction permits. If Saga’s allegations hold, the Commission could revoke a pending permit and dismiss a modification application, sending a stark warning to nonprofit entities attempting to bypass regulatory scrutiny through serial filing tactics.
Alleged Misrepresentation and Technical Defects
Saga filed an informal objection against Iglesia Cristiana Jehova Vive (ICJV), the nonprofit behind WJKM-LP, citing multiple fatal engineering flaws in its latest application to modify its unbuilt authorization. The church seeks to relocate its transmitter and shift frequencies from 96.9 to 94.3 FM, but Saga argues the paperwork fails to prove reasonable assurance of access to the proposed site. The objection highlights conflicting tower information between the FCC application and the engineering exhibit, as well as a failure to demonstrate that the channel change would reduce interference to neighboring stations. Instead, Saga contends the proposal actually worsens interference.
The filing also exposes a potential material misrepresentation regarding ICJV’s listed treasurer, Berenisse Figueroa. After receiving FCC documents, Figueroa contacted Saga’s attorneys and denied any involvement with the church. She stated someone used her name without consent, confirmed she did not know the other individuals listed, and noted she lives alone at the address with her two children. Saga argues this raises a serious question about the true identity of the principals behind ICJV, suggesting the application may contain a deliberate falsehood to the Commission.
Pirate Radio Ties and Abuse of Process
A major focus of Saga’s objection centers on Jonathan Alcantara, identified in FCC filings as an ICJV director or operations manager. Saga contends Alcantara is likely the same individual who received a pirate warning nearly a decade ago for an unlicensed Spanish-language station called “Exitos 95.5 FM” in the Wilkes Barre-Scranton market. The filing cites common telephone numbers, prior FCC records, and internet data linking the two individuals. If confirmed as the same person, FCC rules would automatically bar the LPFM grant because the applicant is associated with unlicensed broadcasting. Saga also notes Alcantara markets programming to LPFM stations, warranting further scrutiny of his role.
Saga further accuses ICJV of abusing the minor modification process by filing serial applications only to withdraw them after objections are lodged. This is the third informal objection Saga has filed against ICJV since the station’s permit was granted in 2025. The company argues ICJV has made six modification attempts, with five applications either dismissed or withdrawn, effectively evading serious allegations. Saga is requesting the FCC dismiss the current application with prejudice, rescind the underlying construction permit, and defer action on any future filings until the Enforcement Bureau investigates ICJV and Alcantara. The Commission has not yet ruled, and ICJV has not responded to the allegations.
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