FCC's O'Rielly Proposes Anti-Pirate Radio Policy

Policy

FCC Commissioner MIKE O'RIELLY took on pirate radio enforcement issues in a post to the Commission's blog THURSDAY, offering a draft of a new policy and enforcement approach in response to inaction by the Enforcement Bureau.

Noting that "assurances were made that a sleeker, streamlined Enforcement Bureau would be able to perform all of its duties with even greater efficiency" and the order cutting back on staff included promises of "a revitalized enforcement effort against illegal broadcasters via development of a 'comprehensive policy and enforcement approach,'" O'RIELLY, saying that he's hoping to get the ball rolling on the promised new enforcement efforts, posted a two paragraph policy proposal.

O'RIELLY's proposed policy "reiterates our firm position... that unauthorized broadcast operations within the FM and AM radio broadcast bands – often referred to as pirate radio broadcasting – is strictly prohibited and subject to enforcement measures" and that the stations' interference "sabotage" licensed broadcasters and jeopardize public safety.  The proposal announces a "vigorous campaign" against the pirates, with the Commission collaborating with federal and state law enforcement to go after the unlicensed stations and offering an "education component" to combat the pirates.

"All interested parties should be on notice that facilitating pirate radio broadcasting will not be tolerated, and may be subject to enforcement or legal actions, as permitted under law," O'RIELLY's policy states. "Accordingly, we seek full cooperation by anyone who may have relevant information to help identify, locate, and take action against the operators and owners of pirate radio stations."

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