FCC Targets Three New York Pirate Radio Operators

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 26, 2026 | 5:04pm CT

Federal Communications Commission

The FCC's Enforcement Bureau has taken action against three separate pirate radio operations in New York, issuing one final forfeiture order and two new notices of apparent liability totaling $65,000 in proposed and assessed fines.

In Spring Valley, NY, the FCC affirmed a $20,000 forfeiture against Jean Boncoeur for operating the unlicensed station "Radio Gold Stars" on 90.5 MHz. The Commission said Boncoeur operated the unauthorized station in violation of the PIRATE Act and did not respond to a Notice of Apparent Liability issued in January.

The agency also proposed a $25,000 fine against Albercio Mercado for allegedly operating the unlicensed station "Manzana FM" on 94.9 MHz in the Bronx. FCC field agents said they traced the station to two different locations between 2024 and 2026, documented broadcasts that exceeded Part 15 power limits, and obtained admissions from Mercado that he operated the station. Investigators also cited social media posts showing Mercado inside the station's studio. The proposed penalty includes a $5,000 upward adjustment because the FCC says Mercado continued operating after being warned he needed a license.

In a separate case, the FCC proposed a $20,000 forfeiture against Neville Morgan, Lilleth Morgan and The Sweet Hour of Prayer Inc., holding them jointly and severally liable for allegedly operating "TOG Radio" on 105.3 MHz in the Bronx. Agents said they traced the broadcasts to a residential building, found the station's programming matched the audio stream on the ministry's website, and identified the Morgans as the station's owners and operators through corporate records, the website and social media.

The FCC said pirate radio operations threaten the integrity of the nation's spectrum by interfering with licensed broadcasters and public safety communications, including Emergency Alert System transmissions. Under the PIRATE Act, the Commission may impose fines of up to $122,661 per day for illegal broadcasting, with maximum penalties exceeding $2.45 million for continuing violations.