(Associated Press via NewsEdge) The US' largest Spanish-language broadcaster has agreed to a record $24 million fine for failing to meet government rules for educational children's programming, a Federal Communications Commission official said.
The penalty is part of a consent decree that would pave the way for Univision Communications to complete its $12.3 billion sale to private investors.
The decree awaits approval by a majority of the agency's five commissioners. The chairman, Kevin J. Martin, told The New York Times he supported it.
The fine is part of a deal that would transfer Univision's broadcast licenses to the investors. A vote could come at any time, said the agency official who confirmed the fine, which Martin first disclosed to the newspaper. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the commission has yet to vote.
Messages left at Univision's New York and Miami offices were not immediately returned.
The previous record fine was $9 million, against the telecommunications company Qwest Communications International Inc. in 2004. The penalty was for failing to disclose business relationships with local competitors.
The penalty involves charges that 24 Univision stations between 2004 and early 2006 circumvented guidelines on airing educational children's programs by running soap operas aimed mainly at adults.
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