Pirate Radio: Unlicensed & Illegal Broadcasting

Chairman Pai explains illegal pirate radio broadcasting in the context of two proposed fines against apparent operators in Boston. The proposed fines send a strong signal that the FCC will not tolerate unlicensed radio broadcasting. In each case, the pirate radio operator in question was given multiple warnings that he was violating the law. So in each case, the FCC proposed the maximum forfeiture amount permitted under the Communications Act. The harms of unlicensed radio broadcasting are serious: pirate stations interfere with licensed stations-whose owners have invested time and money in providing lawful service to the public-and can also cause interference to critical public safety systems.
Note: The proposed enforcement actions, formally called Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contain only allegations that advise a party on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty. The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL. Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions. The party will be given an opportunity to respond and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.