More Fcc Flack

Webb · Joined: Feb 17, 2003 Posts: 4271

Miami radio station's prank call to Castro may draw FCC fine

The Federal Communications Commission has no sense of humor, even when it comes to a crank call to Fidel Castro.

Miami radio station WXDJ (FM 95.7) has been informed by the FCC that the government agency intends to fine the Spanish-language station $4,000 for a prank call to the Cuban leader on June 17, 2003. The station's offense: It didn't tell Castro in advance that he was going to be on the radio, as FCC rules dictate.

Full story

ploesch · Joined: Aug 22, 2003 Posts: 4060

I don't know whats scarier, that a station would pull stunts like this, or that they could get through to world leaders.

Something like this could cause an international incident, no wonder the FCC felt they needed to get involved.

horsecharles · Joined: Sep 24, 2003 Posts: 4632

I thought it was hillarious-- these leaders must get all kinds of crank calls all the time: hopefully vetting and due diligence are standard... hard to think how in this age of technology any simple ruse wouldn't be detected......

Webb · Joined: Feb 17, 2003 Posts: 4271

U2 used to call George Bush, Sr. live from their concerts. Of course they never got through to him.

Castro must be pretty stupid if a caller identifying himself as Hugo Chavez got through. Maybe it was after hours and the switchboard operator had gone home.

User: inactive Posts:

I doubt that caller ID exists in Cuba. They probably are still using rotary phones on a mechanical switch.

horsecharles · Joined: Sep 24, 2003 Posts: 4632

I believe Castro himself has the latest of everything-- when he's not wearing fatigues he sports some mighty expensive suits....