Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee; Hearing, 27634-27636 [2019-12479]

Download as PDF 27634 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 114 / Thursday, June 13, 2019 / Notices khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES D. Absence of financial conflicts of interest. E. No actual conflicts of interest or the appearance of lack of impartiality. F. Background and experiences that would contribute to the diversity of viewpoints on the panel, e.g., workforce sector; geographical location; social, cultural, and educational backgrounds; and professional affiliations. G. Willingness to commit adequate time for the thorough review of the draft external peer review document in July– August 2019 (exact date to be determined). H. Availability to participate inperson in a 1-day peer review meeting in Research Triangle Park, NC in August or September 2019 (exact date will be published in the Federal Register at least 30 days prior to the external peer review meeting). Further information regarding the external peer review meeting will be announced at a later date on the project website here: https://www.epa.gov/ economic-and-cost-analysis-airpollution-regulations/PM_Uncertainty. V. Peer-Review Panel Selection Process The EPA contractor will follow the Agency’s Conflict of Interest Review Process for Contractor-Managed Peer Reviews of EPA Highly Influential Scientific Assessment (HISA) and Influential Scientific Information (ISI) documents (https://www.epa.gov/sites/ production/files/2015-01/documents/ epa-process-for-contractor_0.pdf) and Peer Review Handbook (https:// www.epa.gov/osa/peer-reviewhandbook-4th-edition-2015) to select the peer-review panel. After candidates are nominated subsequent to this Federal Register notice, the EPA contractor will follow-up with nominees and request additional information such as: A. The disciplinary and specific areas of expertise of the nominee. B. The nominee’s curriculum vitae. C. A biographical sketch of the nominee indicating current position; educational background; past and current research activities; recent service on other advisory committees, peer review panels, editorial boards, or professional organizations; sources of recent grant and/or contract support; and other comments on the relevance of the nominee’s expertise to this peer review topic. The EPA contractor may also conduct an independent search for candidates to assemble a balanced group representing the expertise needed to fully evaluate EPA’s draft report and supplemental materials. The EPA contractor will consider and screen all candidates against the criteria listed in Unit III and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:55 Jun 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 the Agency’s Conflict of Interest (COI) and appearance of bias guidance with the Agency’s Peer Review Handbook, available online at: https:// www.epa.gov/osa/peer-reviewhandbook-4th-edition-2015. Following the screening process, the EPA contractor will narrow the list of potential reviewers. Prior to selecting the final peer reviewers, a second Federal Register notice will be published to solicit comments on the interim list of 7–10 candidates. The public will be requested to provide relevant information or documentation on the nominees that the EPA contractor should consider in evaluating the candidates within 21 days following the announcement of the interim candidates. Once the public comments on the interim list of candidates have been reviewed, the EPA contractor will select the final peer reviewers who, collectively, best provide expertise spanning the multiple areas listed in Unit III and, to the extent feasible, best provide a balance of perspectives. The EPA contractor will ultimately notify candidates of selection or non-selection. Compensation of non-Federal peer reviewers will be provided by the EPA contractor. Dated: June 7, 2019. Panagiotis Tsirigotis, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. [FR Doc. 2019–12487 Filed 6–12–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [MB Docket No. 19–156; DA 19–506] Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee; Hearing Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This document commences a hearing to determine whether Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee (EMT or the Trust) has committed violations of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended and/or the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission. The hearing will determine whether the applications for license renewal should be denied and licenses should be cancelled for four AM radio stations: KFTK–AM (formerly WQQX–AM), Facility ID No. 72815, East St. Louis, Illinois, File No. BR–20120709ACP; WQQW–AM, Facility ID No. 90598, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Highland, Illinois, File No. BR– 20120709AC0; KZQZ–AM, Facility ID No. 72391, St. Louis, Missouri, File No. BR–20120921AAW; and KQQZ–AM Facility ID No. 5281, DeSoto, Missouri, File No. BR–20120921ABA. The hearing will also determine whether the stations’ respective assignment of license applications, File Nos. BAL– 20160919ADH, BAL–20160919ADI, BAL–20160919ADJ, and BAL– 20160919ADK should be dismissed, and applications to construct a new FM translator station W275CS, Highland, Illinois, Facility ID No. 200438, File Nos. BNPFT–20170726AEF and BNPFT–20180314AAO to retransmit one of the stations should be dismissed. DATES: Each party to the proceeding (except for the Chief, Enforcement Bureau), in person or by counsel, shall file with the Commission, by June 25, 2019, a written appearance stating that the party will appear on the date fixed for hearing and present evidence on the issues specified herein. ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Irene Bleiweiss, 202–418–2700. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the Commission’s Hearing Designation Order and Notice of Opportunity for Hearing (Order), MB Docket No. 19–156, adopted June 5, 2019, and released June 5, 2019. The full text of this Commission decision is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC’s Reference Information Center at Portals II, CY–A257, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554. The full text is also available online at https:// apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/. This document is available in alternative formats (computer diskette, large print, audio record, and Braille). Persons with disabilities who need documents in these formats may contact the FCC by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202– 418–0530 or TTY: 202–418–0432. Synopsis 1. In the Order, the Commission commences a hearing proceeding before the Administrative Law Judge to determine whether Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee (EMT or the Trust) has committed violations of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Act) and/or the rules and regulations (Rules) of the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) and, as a consequence, whether EMT’s captioned applications for license renewal should be denied, those station licenses accordingly E:\FR\FM\13JNN1.SGM 13JNN1 khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 114 / Thursday, June 13, 2019 / Notices cancelled, and applications to construct a new FM translator station to retransmit one of the stations should be dismissed. 2. Between 2006 and 2010, EMT purchased four AM radio stations: KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), and KQQZ(AM) (collectively, Stations) in the St. Louis market. EMT filed renewal applications for each of these Stations in 2012. On November 1, 2012, Mark A. Kern (Kern), a local resident and listener of the Stations, filed a petition to deny EMT’s renewal applications, in which he asserted that EMT ‘‘is a straw party for Robert Romanik, a convicted felon, who exercises de facto control of the Stations.’’ A Commission investigation confirmed that Robert S. Romanik (Romanik), who has been convicted of felony offenses (obstruction of justice and bank fraud), established EMT and provided all of EMT’s funds for the acquisition of the Stations, but was not listed as a party in any of EMT’s Commission applications. The investigation found additional evidence supporting Kern’s claim that Romanik exercises de facto control over the Stations, including evidence that Romanik identified himself as a radio station owner on various forms disclosing his political contributions, purported to assign EMT’s beneficial interest in the Stations to his longtime girlfriend, Katrina M. Sanders, and participated in negotiations involving a Local Programming and Marketing Agreement with Emmis Radio, LLC for KFTK in 2016. In addition, the investigation showed that the document that EMT now identifies as its trust instrument was executed on December 19, 2012 (after Kern’s 2012 Petition to Deny and well after EMT acquired the Stations) and does not contain provisions insulating Romanik from attribution of EMT’s interests in the Stations under the Commission’s ownership attribution policies. 3. The Commission’s investigation was impeded by EMT’s failure or inability to provide responsive information. The Commission’s hearing process provides a more complete set of discovery tools to develop a fuller factual record. 4. Based on the totality of the evidence before the Commission, we find there are substantial and material questions of fact as to whether: (a) There has been an undisclosed de facto transfer of control of the Stations to Romanik and thus whether he is a real party-in-interest to the pending applications; (b) EMT engaged in misrepresentation and/or lack of candor in its applications VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:55 Jun 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 and other communications with the Commission; and (c) the Trust shields Romanik or the Trust’s beneficiaries from holding attributable interests in the Stations under the Commission’s ownership attribution policies. 5. Accordingly, it is ordered, pursuant to sections 309(d), 309(e), and 309(k) of the Act, 47 U.S.C. 309(d), 47 U.S.C. 309(e), and 47 U.S.C. 309(k), that the captioned Renewal Applications, Assignment Applications, and Translator Applications are designated for hearing in a consolidated proceeding before an FCC Administrative Law Judge, at a time and place to be specified in a subsequent Order, upon the following issues: (a) To determine whether Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee is (and/or has been, during the most recent license term) exercising affirmative control of Stations KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), and KQQZ(AM). (b) To determine whether there has been a de facto transfer of control of Stations KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), and KQQZ(AM) to Robert S. Romanik in violation of section 310(d) of the Act, either occurring in the most recent license term or continuing during that license term. (c) To determine whether Robert S. Romanik is (and/or has been, during the most recent license term) a real-party-ininterest to the captioned applications for Stations KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), KQQZ(AM), and W275CS, both before and after Stephen Romanik’s death. (d) To determine whether Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee or Dennis J. Watkins engaged in misrepresentation and/or lack of candor in applications and communications with the Commission or otherwise violated 47 CFR 1.17 during the most recent license term with respect to matters involving Stations KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), KQQZ(AM), and W275CS. (e) To determine whether Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee, shields the grantor or the beneficiary from the ownership attribution requirements under section 73.3555 of the Commission’s rules. (f) To determine, in light of the evidence adduced pursuant to the foregoing issues, whether the captioned license renewal applications should be granted. (g) To determine, in light of the foregoing issues, whether the captioned PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 27635 application for consent to assignment of the licenses of Stations KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), and KQQZ(AM) should be granted, denied or dismissed. (h) To determine, in light of the foregoing issues, whether the captioned applications for a permit to construct FM translator Station W275CS should be granted, denied or dismissed. 6. It is further ordered that, pursuant to sections 309(d), 309(e) and 309(k) of the Act and section 1.221(c) of the Commission’s rules, 47 U.S.C. 309(d), 47 U.S.C. 309(e), U.S.C. 309(k), and 47 CFR 1.221(c), to avail itself of the opportunity to be heard and to present evidence at a hearing in this proceeding, Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee, in person or by an attorney, shall file with the Commission, within 20 calendar days of the release of the Order, a written appearance stating that it will appear at the hearing and present evidence on the issues specified above. 7. It is further ordered that, pursuant to section 1.221(c) of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.221(c), if Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee fails to file, within 20 calendar days of the release of the Order, a written appearance, a petition to dismiss without prejudice, or a petition to accept for good cause shown an untimely written appearance, the captioned applications shall be dismissed with prejudice for failure to prosecute. 8. It is further ordered that the Chief, Enforcement Bureau, shall be made a party to this proceeding without the need to file a written appearance. 9. It is further ordered that Mark A. Kern shall be made a party to this proceeding in his capacity as a petitioner to one or more of the captioned applications. 10. It is further ordered that, pursuant to section 309(e) of the Act, 47 U.S.C. 309(e), and section 1.254 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.254, the burden of proceeding with the introduction of evidence and the burden of proof shall be upon Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee as to all the issues at Paragraph 5 above. 11. It is further ordered that a copy of each document filed in this proceeding subsequent to the date of adoption of this document shall be served on the counsel of record appearing on behalf of the Chief, Enforcement Bureau. Parties may inquire as to the identity of such counsel by calling the Investigations & Hearings Division of the Enforcement Bureau at (202) 418–1420. Such service copy shall be addressed to the named counsel of record, Investigations & E:\FR\FM\13JNN1.SGM 13JNN1 27636 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 114 / Thursday, June 13, 2019 / Notices Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. 12. It is further ordered that Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee, pursuant to section 311(a)(2) of the Act, 47 U.S.C. 311(a)(2), and section 73.3594 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 73.3594, shall give notice of the hearing within the time and in the manner prescribed in such Rules, and shall advise the Commission of the publication of such notice as required by section 73.3594(g) of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 73.3594(g). 13. It is further ordered that copies of the Hearing Designation Order and Notice of Opportunity for Hearing shall be sent via Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, and by regular first class mail to the following: Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee, 6500 West Main Street, Suite 315, Belleville, IL 62223; Anthony Lepore, Esq., P.O. Box 823662, South Florida, FL 33082–3662; Davina S. Sashkin, Esq., Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, 1300 North 17th Street, 11th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209; Mark A. Kern, 111 South High Street, Belleville, IL 62220; Richard A. Helmick, Esq., and Howard M. Liberman, Esq., 1800 M Street NW, Suite 800N, Washington, DC 20036. 14. It is further ordered that a copy of this document, or a summary thereof, shall be published in the Federal Register. Federal Communications Commission. Thomas Horan, Chief of Staff, Media Bureau. [FR Doc. 2019–12479 Filed 6–12–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Document Identifier: CMS–10434] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS. ACTION: Notice. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS’ intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:55 Jun 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information (including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information) and to allow 60 days for public comment on the proposed action. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency’s functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden. Comments must be received by August 12, 2019. DATES: When commenting, please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in any one of the following ways: ADDRESSES: 1. Electronically. You may send your comments electronically to https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for ‘‘Comment or Submission’’ or ‘‘More Search Options’’ to find the information collection document(s) that are accepting comments. 2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number ll , Room C4–26–05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244–1850. To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, you may make your request using one of following: 1. Access CMS’ website address at website address at https://www.cms.gov/ Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/ PaperworkReductionActof1995/PRAListing.html. 2. Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov. 3. Call the Reports Clearance Office at (410) 786–1326. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William N. Parham at (410) 786–4669. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Contents This notice sets out a summary of the use and burden associated with the following information collections. More detailed information can be found in each collection’s supporting statement and associated materials (see ADDRESSES). CMS 10434 Medicaid and CHIP Program (MACPro) Under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501– 3520), federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. The term ‘‘collection of information’’ is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA requires federal agencies to publish a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice. Information Collection 1. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicaid and CHIP Program (MACPro); Use: The MACPro system is being transitioned to become the system of record that will be used by both state and CMS officials to: Improve the state application and federal review processes, improve federal program management of Medicaid programs and CHIP, and standardize Medicaid program data. Specifically, it will be used by state agencies to: Submit and amend Medicaid state plans, CHIP state plans and ADPs (Information System Advanced Planning Documents); submit applications and amendments for state waivers, demonstrations, and benchmark and grant programs; and submit reporting data. Among the collections submitted for approval under MACPro will be relevant collections that are currently approved under our generic umbrella information collection request (CMS–10398; OMB control number 0938–1148), certain collections approved as a regular standalone information collections, and upcoming collections. A list of those collections is included in our PRA package. Form Number: CMS–10434 E:\FR\FM\13JNN1.SGM 13JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 114 (Thursday, June 13, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27634-27636]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12479]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[MB Docket No. 19-156; DA 19-506]


Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee; Hearing

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document commences a hearing to determine whether 
Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee (EMT or the 
Trust) has committed violations of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended and/or the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications 
Commission. The hearing will determine whether the applications for 
license renewal should be denied and licenses should be cancelled for 
four AM radio stations: KFTK-AM (formerly WQQX-AM), Facility ID No. 
72815, East St. Louis, Illinois, File No. BR-20120709ACP; WQQW-AM, 
Facility ID No. 90598, Highland, Illinois, File No. BR-20120709AC0; 
KZQZ-AM, Facility ID No. 72391, St. Louis, Missouri, File No. BR-
20120921AAW; and KQQZ-AM Facility ID No. 5281, DeSoto, Missouri, File 
No. BR-20120921ABA. The hearing will also determine whether the 
stations' respective assignment of license applications, File Nos. BAL-
20160919ADH, BAL-20160919ADI, BAL-20160919ADJ, and BAL-20160919ADK 
should be dismissed, and applications to construct a new FM translator 
station W275CS, Highland, Illinois, Facility ID No. 200438, File Nos. 
BNPFT-20170726AEF and BNPFT-20180314AAO to retransmit one of the 
stations should be dismissed.

DATES: Each party to the proceeding (except for the Chief, Enforcement 
Bureau), in person or by counsel, shall file with the Commission, by 
June 25, 2019, a written appearance stating that the party will appear 
on the date fixed for hearing and present evidence on the issues 
specified herein.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, 
Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Irene Bleiweiss, 202-418-2700.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the Commission's 
Hearing Designation Order and Notice of Opportunity for Hearing 
(Order), MB Docket No. 19-156, adopted June 5, 2019, and released June 
5, 2019. The full text of this Commission decision is available for 
inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC's 
Reference Information Center at Portals II, CY-A257, 445 12th Street, 
SW, Washington, DC 20554. The full text is also available online at 
https://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/. This document is available in alternative 
formats (computer diskette, large print, audio record, and Braille). 
Persons with disabilities who need documents in these formats may 
contact the FCC by email: [email protected] or phone: 202-418-0530 or TTY: 
202-418-0432.

Synopsis

    1. In the Order, the Commission commences a hearing proceeding 
before the Administrative Law Judge to determine whether Entertainment 
Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee (EMT or the Trust) has 
committed violations of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended 
(Act) and/or the rules and regulations (Rules) of the Federal 
Communications Commission (Commission) and, as a consequence, whether 
EMT's captioned applications for license renewal should be denied, 
those station licenses accordingly

[[Page 27635]]

cancelled, and applications to construct a new FM translator station to 
retransmit one of the stations should be dismissed.
    2. Between 2006 and 2010, EMT purchased four AM radio stations: 
KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), and KQQZ(AM) 
(collectively, Stations) in the St. Louis market. EMT filed renewal 
applications for each of these Stations in 2012. On November 1, 2012, 
Mark A. Kern (Kern), a local resident and listener of the Stations, 
filed a petition to deny EMT's renewal applications, in which he 
asserted that EMT ``is a straw party for Robert Romanik, a convicted 
felon, who exercises de facto control of the Stations.'' A Commission 
investigation confirmed that Robert S. Romanik (Romanik), who has been 
convicted of felony offenses (obstruction of justice and bank fraud), 
established EMT and provided all of EMT's funds for the acquisition of 
the Stations, but was not listed as a party in any of EMT's Commission 
applications. The investigation found additional evidence supporting 
Kern's claim that Romanik exercises de facto control over the Stations, 
including evidence that Romanik identified himself as a radio station 
owner on various forms disclosing his political contributions, 
purported to assign EMT's beneficial interest in the Stations to his 
longtime girlfriend, Katrina M. Sanders, and participated in 
negotiations involving a Local Programming and Marketing Agreement with 
Emmis Radio, LLC for KFTK in 2016. In addition, the investigation 
showed that the document that EMT now identifies as its trust 
instrument was executed on December 19, 2012 (after Kern's 2012 
Petition to Deny and well after EMT acquired the Stations) and does not 
contain provisions insulating Romanik from attribution of EMT's 
interests in the Stations under the Commission's ownership attribution 
policies.
    3. The Commission's investigation was impeded by EMT's failure or 
inability to provide responsive information. The Commission's hearing 
process provides a more complete set of discovery tools to develop a 
fuller factual record.
    4. Based on the totality of the evidence before the Commission, we 
find there are substantial and material questions of fact as to 
whether:
    (a) There has been an undisclosed de facto transfer of control of 
the Stations to Romanik and thus whether he is a real party-in-interest 
to the pending applications;
    (b) EMT engaged in misrepresentation and/or lack of candor in its 
applications and other communications with the Commission; and
    (c) the Trust shields Romanik or the Trust's beneficiaries from 
holding attributable interests in the Stations under the Commission's 
ownership attribution policies.
    5. Accordingly, it is ordered, pursuant to sections 309(d), 309(e), 
and 309(k) of the Act, 47 U.S.C. 309(d), 47 U.S.C. 309(e), and 47 
U.S.C. 309(k), that the captioned Renewal Applications, Assignment 
Applications, and Translator Applications are designated for hearing in 
a consolidated proceeding before an FCC Administrative Law Judge, at a 
time and place to be specified in a subsequent Order, upon the 
following issues:
    (a) To determine whether Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. 
Watkins, Trustee is (and/or has been, during the most recent license 
term) exercising affirmative control of Stations KFTK(AM) (formerly 
WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), and KQQZ(AM).
    (b) To determine whether there has been a de facto transfer of 
control of Stations KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), 
and KQQZ(AM) to Robert S. Romanik in violation of section 310(d) of the 
Act, either occurring in the most recent license term or continuing 
during that license term.
    (c) To determine whether Robert S. Romanik is (and/or has been, 
during the most recent license term) a real-party-in-interest to the 
captioned applications for Stations KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), 
WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), KQQZ(AM), and W275CS, both before and after Stephen 
Romanik's death.
    (d) To determine whether Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. 
Watkins, Trustee or Dennis J. Watkins engaged in misrepresentation and/
or lack of candor in applications and communications with the 
Commission or otherwise violated 47 CFR 1.17 during the most recent 
license term with respect to matters involving Stations KFTK(AM) 
(formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), KQQZ(AM), and W275CS.
    (e) To determine whether Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. 
Watkins, Trustee, shields the grantor or the beneficiary from the 
ownership attribution requirements under section 73.3555 of the 
Commission's rules.
    (f) To determine, in light of the evidence adduced pursuant to the 
foregoing issues, whether the captioned license renewal applications 
should be granted.
    (g) To determine, in light of the foregoing issues, whether the 
captioned application for consent to assignment of the licenses of 
Stations KFTK(AM) (formerly WQQX(AM)), WQQW(AM), KZQZ(AM), and KQQZ(AM) 
should be granted, denied or dismissed.
    (h) To determine, in light of the foregoing issues, whether the 
captioned applications for a permit to construct FM translator Station 
W275CS should be granted, denied or dismissed.
    6. It is further ordered that, pursuant to sections 309(d), 309(e) 
and 309(k) of the Act and section 1.221(c) of the Commission's rules, 
47 U.S.C. 309(d), 47 U.S.C. 309(e), U.S.C. 309(k), and 47 CFR 1.221(c), 
to avail itself of the opportunity to be heard and to present evidence 
at a hearing in this proceeding, Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. 
Watkins, Trustee, in person or by an attorney, shall file with the 
Commission, within 20 calendar days of the release of the Order, a 
written appearance stating that it will appear at the hearing and 
present evidence on the issues specified above.
    7. It is further ordered that, pursuant to section 1.221(c) of the 
Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.221(c), if Entertainment Media Trust, 
Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee fails to file, within 20 calendar days of 
the release of the Order, a written appearance, a petition to dismiss 
without prejudice, or a petition to accept for good cause shown an 
untimely written appearance, the captioned applications shall be 
dismissed with prejudice for failure to prosecute.
    8. It is further ordered that the Chief, Enforcement Bureau, shall 
be made a party to this proceeding without the need to file a written 
appearance.
    9. It is further ordered that Mark A. Kern shall be made a party to 
this proceeding in his capacity as a petitioner to one or more of the 
captioned applications.
    10. It is further ordered that, pursuant to section 309(e) of the 
Act, 47 U.S.C. 309(e), and section 1.254 of the Commission's rules, 47 
CFR 1.254, the burden of proceeding with the introduction of evidence 
and the burden of proof shall be upon Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis 
J. Watkins, Trustee as to all the issues at Paragraph 5 above.
    11. It is further ordered that a copy of each document filed in 
this proceeding subsequent to the date of adoption of this document 
shall be served on the counsel of record appearing on behalf of the 
Chief, Enforcement Bureau. Parties may inquire as to the identity of 
such counsel by calling the Investigations & Hearings Division of the 
Enforcement Bureau at (202) 418-1420. Such service copy shall be 
addressed to the named counsel of record, Investigations &

[[Page 27636]]

Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications 
Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.
    12. It is further ordered that Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. 
Watkins, Trustee, pursuant to section 311(a)(2) of the Act, 47 U.S.C. 
311(a)(2), and section 73.3594 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 
73.3594, shall give notice of the hearing within the time and in the 
manner prescribed in such Rules, and shall advise the Commission of the 
publication of such notice as required by section 73.3594(g) of the 
Commission's rules, 47 CFR 73.3594(g).
    13. It is further ordered that copies of the Hearing Designation 
Order and Notice of Opportunity for Hearing shall be sent via Certified 
Mail, Return Receipt Requested, and by regular first class mail to the 
following: Entertainment Media Trust, Dennis J. Watkins, Trustee, 6500 
West Main Street, Suite 315, Belleville, IL 62223; Anthony Lepore, 
Esq., P.O. Box 823662, South Florida, FL 33082-3662; Davina S. Sashkin, 
Esq., Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, 1300 North 17th Street, 11th Floor, 
Arlington, VA 22209; Mark A. Kern, 111 South High Street, Belleville, 
IL 62220; Richard A. Helmick, Esq., and Howard M. Liberman, Esq., 1800 
M Street NW, Suite 800N, Washington, DC 20036.
    14. It is further ordered that a copy of this document, or a 
summary thereof, shall be published in the Federal Register.

Federal Communications Commission.
Thomas Horan,
Chief of Staff, Media Bureau.
[FR Doc. 2019-12479 Filed 6-12-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P


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