Radio Licence of Shelbyville, Kentucky Station Cancelled by FCC
Radio Station La Pantera 940 (WCND) in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Loses FCC License
In an unexpected turn of events, Pedro Arce's radio station, La Pantera 940 (WCND), located in Shelbyville, Kentucky, has had its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license revoked on July 25, 2025. The reason for this action was the accumulation of unpaid regulatory fees totaling $9,261.41 for multiple fiscal years, including 2013-2016 and 2022-2023.
The FCC Media Bureau issued an Order to Pay or Show Cause to Arce on April 30, 2025, requiring evidence of full payment of the regulatory fee debt owed or a reason why the fees were inapplicable or should be waived or deferred. However, Arce did not file a written response to this order. Consequently, the license cancellation ensued.
With the revocation, WCND ceased to legally operate, losing its broadcast rights and market presence in the eastern suburbs of the Louisville metropolitan area. The Regional Mexican radio format, which WCND aired, is now silent on 940 AM.
Pedro Arce now faces several possible options to resume his broadcasting activities. He may attempt to negotiate payment or contest the revocation with the FCC, although prolonged unpaid debt typically weakens such cases. Settling the regulatory fees might be a prerequisite to any reinstatement efforts.
If reinstatement is not possible, Arce could seek a new license to operate a station, but would have to compete with other applicants and comply fully with FCC requirements. He might also sell the station's assets to another broadcaster who can legally operate the frequency.
However, without resolving the fee debt or FCC compliance issues, resuming legal broadcasting on 940 AM is improbable. The revocation likely impacts Arce’s reputation and financial standing in the industry, reducing immediate operational options.
As of now, there is no public information indicating that Arce has taken steps toward these options. The FCC can impose additional 25% penalties for any late payments owed to the commission, which could further complicate Arce's efforts to regain his broadcasting license.
[1] FCC Media Bureau Order to Pay or Show Cause (April 30, 2025) [2] FCC Media Bureau Order of Revocation (July 25, 2025)
- The financial strain from the accumulated unpaid regulatory fees might lead authorities to probe Pedro Arce's financial status in the banking-and-insurance industry, considering the significance of these debts.
- Despite the loss of WCND's FCC license, Pedro Arce's challenges extend beyond the media industry, as potential difficulties in paying off his debt and addressing FCC compliance issues could restrict the options available in other financial realms, like securing business loans or investments.
