Local Texas Radio Stations Shut Down Over Unpaid Fees

Texas – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revoked the licenses of two country radio stations in Texas, KYKM(FM) and KTXM(FM), due to the failure of their licensee, Kremling Enterprises, to pay nearly $14,223 in regulatory fees spanning several fiscal years.

The country music station KYKM, known as “Texas Thunder Radio,” began broadcasting in 1981 under the call sign KYOC and later transitioned to KYKM. Its sister station, KTXM, was launched in 1998 and maintained the same country format. The revocation of their licenses marks a significant turn in the operational history of these stations.

The FCC has been increasingly strict in enforcing compliance among radio stations regarding the payment of annual regulatory fees, which are essential for funding the commission’s operations. Kremling Enterprises accrued these fees for the fiscal years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024 but failed to make timely payments, resulting in additional late payment penalties, interest, and administrative fees.

In an effort to collect the unpaid dues, the FCC issued an Order to Pay or Show Cause in February 2025. Kremling was given 60 days to either pay the owed amount or provide justification for why the fees should be waived or deferred. However, Kremling did not respond to the order nor did they make any payments within the stipulated timeframe, leading to the immediate cessation of all station operations.

As part of the license revocation process, the call signs associated with Texas Thunder Radio have been deleted, and Kremling is now required to terminate all operations connected to the two stations.

This recent action by the FCC is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader trend in which the commission has been intensifying scrutiny over delinquent stations. By revoking licenses for non-payment of regulatory fees, the FCC aims to enforce accountability and ensure that all stations contribute to the financial responsibilities necessary for the regulation of the broadcasting industry.

The regulatory fees that the FCC mandates are critical for maintaining the infrastructure and services that allow radio stations to operate efficiently. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead not only to penalties but also to the loss of broadcasting privileges, as seen in the cases of KYKM and KTXM.

Kremling Enterprises’ declaration of bankruptcy additionally complicates matters, as it signifies a major financial setback for the company that owned the two stations. The bankruptcy raises questions about the future of the radio market in Texas and whether other stations may face similar challenges if they struggle with compliance.

As of now, the FCC’s actions have permanently impacted two local Texas radio stations, signaling a potential shift in the broadcasting landscape and serving as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a station under FCC jurisdiction.

The FCC’s commitment to maintaining a structured and accountable broadcasting environment is likely to result in continued efforts to regulate and oversee the operations of radio stations more closely. The outcome of this situation may serve as a cautionary tale for other media enterprises regarding the critical importance of adhering to regulatory requirements.