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I have vexing friends
Apr. 13th, 2004 03:34 pmThis e-mail, which arrived in my inbox today with a convincing fcc.gov return address, was alarming and disturbing at first until I checked the full headers and saw that it originated from a healthcare firm in Cleveland. I can't verify for certain that a particular person from the sketch-comedy college radio show I was on was responsible, but if it wasn't him it was someone else from that circle.
The "personal note" was the built-in clue that this was a hoax, focusing my attention on the fact that the letter was, in the end, from a fictional character.
Still a damn odd way to reestablish contact after not hearing from him in a few years...
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Dear Mr. ****,
This is to notify you that you are currently under investigation regarding the use of foul and obscene language during a radio broadcast on WCWS, 90.9 on the night of April 17th, 1992 at 10:52 PM.
It is a violation of federal law to broadcast obscene programming at any time. It is also a violation of federal law to broadcast indecent or profane programming during certain hours. Congress has given the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the responsibility for administratively enforcing the law that governs these types of broadcasts. The Commission may revoke a station license,
impose a monetary forfeiture, or issue a warning, for the broadcast of obscene or indecent material. Monetary fines imposed can be an excess of $250,000 per incident.
Enforcement actions in this area are based on documented complaints received from the public about indecent, profane, or obscene broadcasting. The FCC's staff reviews each complaint to determine whether it has sufficient information to suggest that there has been a violation of the obscenity, profanity, or indecency laws. If it appears that a violation may have occurred, the staff will start an investigation by sending a letter of inquiry to the broadcast station. Otherwise, the complaint will be dismissed or denied.
Additionally we have been informed by the College of Wooster that at the time of the incident you were not licensed by the FCC to participate in broadcasting activities. Failure to have a license while on the air will result in a monetary fine and possible jail time.
On a personal note, I do not appreciate being mocked and impersonated by you and your show. The FCC takes its job very seriously and any violations on your part will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Sincerely,
Ronald Finley
Federal Communications Commission
[followed by actual FCC contact info]
The "personal note" was the built-in clue that this was a hoax, focusing my attention on the fact that the letter was, in the end, from a fictional character.
Still a damn odd way to reestablish contact after not hearing from him in a few years...
------------------
Dear Mr. ****,
This is to notify you that you are currently under investigation regarding the use of foul and obscene language during a radio broadcast on WCWS, 90.9 on the night of April 17th, 1992 at 10:52 PM.
It is a violation of federal law to broadcast obscene programming at any time. It is also a violation of federal law to broadcast indecent or profane programming during certain hours. Congress has given the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the responsibility for administratively enforcing the law that governs these types of broadcasts. The Commission may revoke a station license,
impose a monetary forfeiture, or issue a warning, for the broadcast of obscene or indecent material. Monetary fines imposed can be an excess of $250,000 per incident.
Enforcement actions in this area are based on documented complaints received from the public about indecent, profane, or obscene broadcasting. The FCC's staff reviews each complaint to determine whether it has sufficient information to suggest that there has been a violation of the obscenity, profanity, or indecency laws. If it appears that a violation may have occurred, the staff will start an investigation by sending a letter of inquiry to the broadcast station. Otherwise, the complaint will be dismissed or denied.
Additionally we have been informed by the College of Wooster that at the time of the incident you were not licensed by the FCC to participate in broadcasting activities. Failure to have a license while on the air will result in a monetary fine and possible jail time.
On a personal note, I do not appreciate being mocked and impersonated by you and your show. The FCC takes its job very seriously and any violations on your part will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Sincerely,
Ronald Finley
Federal Communications Commission
[followed by actual FCC contact info]
