Nevada Radio Dispute Paused as Parties Move Toward Settlement

Federal Judge Approves 120-Day Stay
LAS VEGAS — A legal dispute between the licensee of two Las Vegas-area Spanish-language radio stations and a major tower operator has been put on hold as the parties work toward a settlement.

U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey signed a stipulation and order on October 15 to stay the litigation for 120 days, giving Radio Activo Broadcasting and American Tower Corp. time to finalize an agreement. The stay prevents the tower company from dismantling the transmission structures for KXLI-FM 94.5 “EXA” in Moapa and KADD-FM “La Mejor 93.5” in Logandale.

Background of the Dispute
The case stems from a lease disagreement over the tower in Bunkerville, Nevada, where Radio Activo’s transmitters operate. The dispute escalated in mid-August when American Towers LLC, along with InSite Towers LLC, accused Radio Activo of breaching its lease agreement.

Radio Activo denied the claim, arguing that it has paid all rent and common area maintenance (CAM) charges on time since beginning the lease in 2012. The broadcaster, represented by the May Brock Law Group, said it requested documentation supporting additional CAM charges several times but did not receive them.

American Tower maintained that Radio Activo failed to meet its obligations under the contract, leading the company to disconnect electrical power to the tower and prepare to dismantle it.

Court Intervention and Injunction
On August 25, the Radio + Television Business Report (RBR+TVBR) reported that Radio Activo had filed a lawsuit in Nevada federal court after a related state case was dismissed. Judge Dorsey later issued a preliminary injunction blocking American Tower from tearing down the broadcasting structure.

The injunction required Radio Activo to post a bond of $78,118.73 to secure the order. The company met that requirement on October 3, paving the way for the current settlement negotiations.

Path Toward Resolution
The 120-day stay halts all litigation activity while the parties work to finalize their agreement. If the settlement is completed as planned, the lawsuit will end without further court action.

The dispute highlights the tension between broadcasters and infrastructure providers as lease agreements evolve. For now, KXLI and KADD remain on the air, with their transmitters secure while discussions continue.