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    What Is Pirate Radio

    Unfortunately, It is not a radio station for pirates.

    Pirate Radio

    People on these stations do not say, "arg" or search the seas for buried treasure. Pirate radio stations are illegal radio stations.

    FCC

    According to the FCC, pirate radio stations are unlicensed stations. There can be concerns about pirate radio stations because they can interfere with public safety frequencies. Licensed broadcasters may face unfair competition for advertising.

    There is the Enforcement Bureau that shuts these stations down. They take action against people who operate them.

    In the Media

    In 2009, Richard Curtis directed the movie The Boat That Rocked. In this movie, the pirate radio station takes place on a boat in the North Sea. Meanwhile, the British government wants to shut pirate radio stations down.

    In 1990, Allan Moyle directed Pump Up The Volume. This film is about a high school student who starts a pirate radio station.

    Do Pirate Radio Stations Still Exist?

    With technology offering us the ability to create podcasts, it is surprising to find out that there are cases about pirate radio stations. The FCC released a map that shows actions against pirate radio stations.

    Type of Action

    In June 2019, a man in Highland Park, New Jersey reached an agreement with the FCC about his pirate radio station. He was required to pay a $7500 civil penalty and surrender his Amateur Extra-class license. This license is the top license class and grants all privileges to amateur bands.

    The New Jersey man also agreed to turn over his radios. If he violates the agreement within the next ten years, he will have to pay an additional $32,000 penalty.

    Are Pirate Radio Stations Bad?

    NPR interviewed a Syrian opposition journalist named Obadah Al-Kaddri. Al-Kaddri, a former doctor, helped rebels by sending media messages. He helped show the world what was happening in Syria.

    To determine if a pirate radio is good or bad, it depends on the situation and the environment.