FCC Hits Pirate Stations with Fines Exceeding $850,000

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 25, 2024

Federal Communications Commission

The FCC has taken a strong stance against illegal broadcasting by proposing hefty fines totaling over $850,000 against operators of six pirate radio stations. This action comes as part of a broader effort under the PIRATE Act to curb unauthorized radio transmissions that have been identified in the Boston area.

In a significant sweep conducted by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, seven individuals have been identified as operators of pirate radio stations that illegally broadcast on FM and AM frequencies. These operations are not only unlawful under the Communications Act of 1934 but the agency says they also pose serious public safety risks by potentially interfering with emergency alert systems.

The FCC's crackdown includes a proposed fine of $597,775 against Jean Marius for operating "Radio Tele Planet Compas" across several locations including Brockton, Randolph, and Mattapan, MA. Other operators facing substantial fines include Renold David, who may have to pay $120,000 for running "Lotnivo FM" in Brockton, and Shane Kelly, facing a $20,000 penalty for "The Test 87.9 FM" in Hyannis, MA. Additionally, fines of $40,000 each are proposed against Joao Vieira, Robert Bellinger, Djovany Pierre, and Mario Turner for their involvement in various unauthorized stations in Massachusetts.

The actions taken by the FCC are backed by the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (PIRATE Act), which was enhanced in 2020 to provide the commission with greater enforcement capabilities. This includes the ability to levy fines up to $119,555 per day, with a maximum cap of nearly $2.4 million. The Act also empowers the FCC to target landlords and property owners who knowingly allow pirate operations on their premises.

These proposed fines, or Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NALs), are preliminary. The accused parties will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and defend their actions before any final decisions are made and penalties are enforced. The FCC will review all submissions before determining further legal actions to finalize the penalties.