Commissioners Approve Millions of Dollars in DTV Fines
Commissioners have approved millions in fines against consumer electronics companies for improperly labeling analog TV sets, leaving full V-chip functionality out of digital TV sets or shipping analog sets with no digital tuners, agency officials said late Wednesday. The majority of 25 notices of liability circulated by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin for a vote by the monthly meeting have been approved or will be by day’s end, they said. Commissioners had approved many fines 5-0 by early evening Wednesday, with unanimous approval of more expected, we're told (CD April 3 p6).
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With approval of the fines and a wireless emergency alert item likely before Thursday’s FCC meeting (see separate report in this issue) that event may be canceled, said sources.
Fines against Best Buy, Circuit City, Syntax-Brillian and Wal-Mart are among those expected to be approved by commissioners, said two FCC officials. Fines of Vizio and others also may be okayed, said a source.
About seven consumer electronics companies are discussing settlements with the Enforcement Bureau, an agency source said. Arrangements may not be made by Thursday, so more time may be allowed to draft consent decrees as an alternative to asking commissioners to approve notices of apparent liability, agency sources said. A CEA spokesman declined to comment. FCC officials didn’t immediately return messages to comment.
CE retailers in line for fines because they mislabeled analog sets include Best Buy, Big Lots, BJ’s, Compose, Conn’s, Fry’s, Rent-A-Center, Sears, Target, Toys ‘R’ Us, Value City and Variety. Martin identified those companies last month. CE makers sanctioned for V-chip violations: Audiovox, LG, Sanyo, Panasonic, Philips, Polaroid and Westinghouse, Martin has said. The commission must approve forfeiture notices to finalize fines, first set in the notices of apparent liability.