FCC Proposes Fines Against Pirate Radio Operations

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 28, 2025

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The FCC has proposed nearly $400,000 in fines under the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (PIRATE Act) against unauthorized radio broadcasters in the Miami area. The enforcement actions target pirate radio operators whose illegal broadcasts can interfere with licensed stations, potentially disrupting commercial operations and public safety alerts.

"The FCC will not tolerate unlicensed radio broadcasting. It's that simple," said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. "Licensed radio stations have invested time and money into their operations and are relied on by the listening public for news, entertainment, and even life-saving warnings. Pirate operations break the law and get in the way of these important services."

The largest proposed fine, totaling $325,322, is against Abdias Datis, a repeat offender accused of operating an unauthorized radio station on 91.7 MHz, known as Unique FM, in Miami, FL. FCC agents monitored and traced the illegal signal multiple times in March and November 2024, as well as in January 2025, to a single-family residence on NW 147th Street in Miami. Agents reported hearing the station identify itself as Unique FM, with the operator going by the on-air name "DJ AJ," which the FCC identified as a known alias of Datis.

In a separate case, the FCC has proposed a $60,000 fine against Aaron Streeter for operating an unauthorized station on 89.1 MHz, known as Da Pound FM, in Miami Gardens, FL. In March 2024, FCC agents traced the illegal broadcast to a residence with an FM antenna in the backyard. Streeter initially agreed to cease operations, but on January 8, 2025, agents detected Da Pound FM on the air again, prompting further enforcement action.

The proposed fines, issued as Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NALs), serve as allegations and provide the accused parties an opportunity to respond before any final action is taken. The FCC will review evidence and legal arguments before making a final determination on the penalties.