FCC Cracks Down on Illegal NY, NJ Pirate Radio Broadcasts

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 12, 2024 | 3:46pm CT

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

In a significant enforcement action, the FCC has issued warnings to thirteen landowners in the New York metropolitan area for allegedly permitting illegal pirate radio broadcasts from their properties. This move is part of the FCC's ongoing efforts to curtail unauthorized radio transmissions, which can interfere with licensed broadcasters and emergency communication services.

The FCC's Enforcement Bureau identified properties in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Spring Valley NY, as well as Newark and Irvington, NJ as sources of the illicit broadcasts. These landowners are now formally notified of the illegal activities occurring on their premises and warned of severe financial penalties if they fail to take action. The FCC demands proof that the illegal broadcasts have ceased and identification of those responsible for the activities.

Under the PIRATE Act, the FCC has enhanced enforcement powers, including the authority to impose stiffer fines on violators. The maximum penalties for pirate broadcasting have been adjusted for inflation and now stand at $119,555 per day, with a cap of $2,391,097. Additionally, the law mandates periodic enforcement sweeps and empowers the FCC to penalize landlords and property owners who knowingly allow pirate radio operations on their premises.