It was a low-power FM in name only. The Federal Communications Commission says an LPFM in the Miami market didn’t just overshoot its licensed 100-watt signal by a little. Instead, Enforcement Bureau field agents discovered that “Voice of the Caribbean” WZPP-LP Hollywood, FL (96.1) was on the air with 1,022 watts. That amounts to 811% of the power authorized by the FCC.
The low-power station is operated by the Broward Jewish Alliance, which now has 20 days to respond and explain the alleged violation, including all relevant surrounding facts and circumstances, and what has been done to fix the problem since it was discovered in May 2024. The Enforcement Bureau says it may take other actions in the future as well, including proposing fines against the station for the alleged power boost.
Under FCC rules, low-power FMs are given some leeway in their operations. It permits stations to use transmitter power out of between 90% of the authorization up to 105%…