More of this Feature • Part 1: What is Pirate Radio?

Related Resources • Pirate Radio Links

Elsewhere on the Web • Diymedia.net • Radio Caroline • Microradio.net • Workers Independent News Service • The Pirate Radio Hall of Fame

Corey: How does the FCC view Pirate Radio and how active is it in policing it?

John: The FCC says that unlicensed broadcasting is a crime, punishable by a large fine, seizure of equipment, and, in VERY rare instances, felony charges. The FCC is responsible for policing EVERYTHING that uses electromagnetic energy (telephones (both fixed and cellular), faxes, cable TV, all of the other radios in use by everyone else outside the broadcast bands, and electronics equipment certification, among many other chores. When compared to telephone slamming and cramming, RF-leaky cable systems, and the like, unlicensed broadcasting is a pretty low-priority item on their agenda, although they do talk tough and seem to make aggressive displays of enforcement every couple of years. They are woefully underfunded and understaffed in the field offices, and don't have the time, manpower or money to go "pirate hunting," so they basically react to complaints about specific unlicensed stations.

The Enforcement Bureau is only one of six bureaus within the agency, and it can take months (if not years) before the FCC escalates an unlicensed broadcasting case to more than a warning letter. Also, the FCC's field agents have no police powers, so therefore can't enter a premises without a warrant, cannot seize things on their own, etc, although they would like you to believe otherwise. Some field offices tend to be more zealous about going after "pirates" than others, and encounters can range from a friendly chat to a SWAT team. The FCC *will* make a "show of force" if the National Association of Broadcasters needles them about it. Otherwise, unless they get a call, letter or email of complaint, it's like the station isn't even on their radar.

Corey: What are the bare essentials I need to become a Pirate Radio operator?

John: First and foremost, you need a working grasp of how radio works, and you need to understand and accept any legal risks that come with broadcasting without a license. Knowing your own legal rights is also a must in the event of contact with enforcement folks. Only after you have those should anyone fool around with actual equipment. The basics include a transmitter, antenna, a mast or place to mount the antenna, cabling, a power supply, studio equipment (mixer, cd/tape/record players, microphone, etc.), and proper testing and measuring equipment so you can check the spectral purity of the station's signal. It is VERY important that only high-quality design and engineering principles are used in the construction and operation of the station.

The vast majority of unlicensed broadcasters take very great pains to pick a clear channel to broadcast on, keep their transmitter and antenna properly tuned, and minimize any potential problems with interference to any other radio/television service. Interference is, by far, the number one reason why unlicensed broadcasters get caught, and they make the rest of the folks who do it responsibly look bad. Nobody likes a dirty "pirate." Also make sure you have something to say/do/play while on the air, and put some thought into it. Make it have some meaning, whether it be information or entertainment. Use the time on the air to its maximum, as for most its of limited duration. And have fun!

- Corey Deitz

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