Report No. MM 96-5           MASS MEDIA ACTION             January 31, 1996


      FCC GRANTS LICENSE RENEWAL APPLICATION OF WNGM-TV, ATHENS, GA,
           WITH CONDITIONS; NOTIFIES LICENSEE OF NAL OF $20,000 
                            FOR EEO VIOLATIONS

     The Commission has granted the license renewal application
of NGM Television Partners, Limited for Station WNGM-TV, Athens,
GA, subject to reporting conditions, and notified NGM of apparent
liability for a forfeiture in the amount of $20,000 for violation
of the FCC's EEO rule.

     The Commission stated that the record indicated that WNGM-TV
failed to record the number, sex, race or national origin of its
applicants and interviewees.  Therefore, WNGM-TV was unable to
verify recruitment contacts or assess the effectiveness of its
EEO program.  Moreover, the Commission noted that minority
recruiting sources cited by the licensee failed to produce
minority applicants and the licensee failed to take any
corrective action during the review period.  The Commission
further found that the licensee's failure to abide by the
Commission's filing and response deadlines was an aggravating
factor.  Thus, given the facts of this case, broadcasters'
familiarity with the FCC's longstanding EEO rule, as well as its
expanded forfeiture authority in this area, the Commission
concluded that the circumstances warranted a $20,000 forfeiture
and the imposition of reporting conditions. 

     Action by the Commission January 24, 1996, by Memorandum
Opinion and Order (FCC 96-21).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners
Barrett, Ness, and Chong, with Commissioner Quello concurring in
the result.

                                   -FCC-

     News Media contact: Patricia A. Chew at (202) 418-0500.
     Mass Media Bureau contact: Roy W. Boyce at (202) 418-1450.