Ukrainian Citizens Group Wants HDO for Reston Translator

The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America wants the FCC to designate the license of a Reston, Virginia, translator for hearing over the station’s broadcasting of content from Russian-sponsored news channel Radio Sputnik, said a petition filed Thursday. The Ukrainian American citizens’ group filed two previous petitions targeting stations owned by Arthur and Yvonne Liu (see 2204060070). The translator, owned by retired Womble Bond broadcast attorney John Garziglia, rebroadcasts the signal from the Lius’ station WZHF(AM) Columbia Heights, Maryland. “By broadcasting paid Russian propaganda, Garziglia is aiding and abetting Russia’s continuing war crimes in Ukraine,” said the petition. “It is unlikely that torture, mass murder or the rape of children troubles Garziglia’s sleep. No doubt, he falls asleep counting the money Russia pays him to broadcast its agitprop.” First Amendment and broadcast attorneys told us it's unlikely the FCC would revoke the license of a station over its content (see 2203230054). The petition also asks the FCC to investigate whether Garziglia is evading sanctions against Russia to continue collecting money for the broadcasts. “If Garziglia is working with the Russian government to evade the sanctions, it is not only against the law, but for the purposes of this petition, raises serious questions as to his character qualification as an FCC licensee,” the petition said. Garziglia didn’t comment on this petition, but after NAB urged broadcasters to cease airing Russian-sponsored content in March, he said blocking his broadcast would violate the First Amendment and the station had value because it communicates the Russian point of view.