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TheBuzz

BY ERIKA ENGLE

Missed test nets
fine from feds

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The Federal Communications Commission yesterday released an order finding that KPOI-FM (97.5) parent company New Wave Broadcasting LP is "liable for a monetary forfeiture in the amount of $2,000 for willfully and repeatedly violating" a section of rules requiring monthly Emergency Alert System tests.

An updated form of the old Emergency Broadcast System, the EAS uses television and radio to automatically alert the public to emergencies.

The order notes that the FCC on May 16 issued a "Notice of Apparent Liability" to the company, and that New Wave has not filed a response.

Since no response was received, the fine will be assessed, according to the FCC.

New Wave Chief Financial Officer Kirk Warshaw disputed the assertion that the company had not responded.

"We've had interaction with the local FCC agent," he said. "The local management here has a good relationship with the FCC."

"Mistakes occur," Warshaw said. "We do our best not to make them but we're human and we do our best not to make them, and in this case it's an apparent mistake and it's being investigated."

"There is an appeal process," Warshaw said.

The company has 30 days from the order's release date to pay the fine.

New morning voice

Hawaii Public Radio's Derrick Malama shouldn't be seen about town late at night, in deference to his new work schedule.

Yesterday, Malama began as local host of National Public Radio's "Morning Edition," aired weekdays from 5 to 8:30 a.m.

He had previously served as local host of NPR's "All Things Considered" weekday afternoons, a slot that HPR News Director Kayla Rosenfeld will fill for the time being.

Former morning host Beth Ann Kozlovich has resigned to pursue other interests, according to a statement from HPR.

Despite the new hours, Malama will continue to host "Kani Ka Pila," a Hawaiian music program from 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays on KIPO-FM 89.3.

Kozlovich will also continue hosting the "Town Square" call-in show from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, also on KIPO.

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Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com