Mendocino radio station dispute could go to FCC

MENDOCINO, Calif. (AP) - An internal dispute at a Mendocino County public radio station could soon get federal attention.

A board member at KZYX-FM said Monday that he would file an objection to the station’s license renewal with the Federal Communications Commission.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports (https://bit.ly/19KEozI) that John Sakowicz is hoping the FCC will force a management shake-up at KZYX.

His fellow board members say Sakowicz is trying to destroy the station over numerous allegations, which they say are unfounded.

Among many other complaints, Sakowicz accuses the station of withholding financial information and manipulating board elections.

Sakowicz also has taken issue with the hiring of a reporter who once worked for Voice of America, which he says is a CIA property.

General Manager John Coate says the issues fall outside of the FCC’s licensing considerations.

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Information from: The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, https://www.pressdemocrat.com