FCC Issues Enforcement Advisory On Pirate Radio

The FCC issued an enforcement advisory warning that operating radio equipment without a license is a violation of federal law, as Commissioner Mike O’Rielly said it would during a recent speech to NAB (see 1602230070). The law against pirate radio applies “equally to the rebellious high school kid operating a radio station from his bedroom as it does to slick and sophisticated high-powered illegal broadcast operations,” the advisory said. It laid out the sections of the Communications Act that makes such activity illegal, and explained how to tell a pirate station from an authorized one. “Rules require licensed broadcast stations to identify themselves each hour using their FCC-assigned call signs, as close to the hour as possible. If the station does not identify with a call sign, it may be a pirate operation,” the advisory said. It also advised readers to look up station call signs in the Consolidated Database System. Those who suspect they’ve found a pirate operation are advised to give all possible information to the commission. The advisory also warns against supporting such stations. “Be advised that pirate radio operators also seek support from landlords or advertisers, including nightclubs, concert promoters and local merchants,” the advisory said. “Providing support for such illegal activity could not only damage the reputation of such businesses, but could expose them to FCC enforcement or other legal actions.”