“How can I open up a radio station?” Many people in the public have the idea that it’s easy to start a radio station. I usually spend a couple of minutes with the inquisite public informing  them that it is very unlikely for them to get a license because there are no available frequencies. All this was true until deregulation and the downsizing of the FCC. No regulations changed, but radio stations started popping up all over the dial.

What is a pirate radio Station?

Typically a pirate station (sometimes referred to as a “micropower” or “community radio station) is an unlicensed radio station running power anywhere from 1 to 1000 watts. The majority of these stations are transmitting on the FM band. Because the stations are unlicensed, they decide which frequency and times to operate. Some stations operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week with full air staffs! Many of these stations are listed in the phone book and run commercials! Many have sites on the internet. There is no study to decide what frequency to operate on . The pirate just listens for a clear channel and starts transmitting. Costs for low power transmitters have come way down in the past few years. Kits are available from a number of sources for as little as $50. Pre-built 25-40 watt transmitters are available for under $400 (This equipment is not FCC type accepted.)  Is it any wonder why there are so many of these stations on the air? . (Broadcasters typically spend at least $5000 for a high quality FM exciter with equivalent power!).  Primary Pirate formats include rap, rock, house. Disco and alternative music.  Some pirate stations also include radical, religious and other ethnic programming.  Your new competition on the dial might be a high school teenager, a former disk jockey,  an organized group of business people, or just someone trying to have some fun.

How can a low power station affect me?

Loss of advertising revenue and ratings

FM radios have changed greatly in the last 15 years. Both sensitivity and selectivity in home and car radios have been greatly improved.  This means that weak stations such as pirate stations can be heard for much greater distances than you might think. For example a 25 watt pirate station on a clear channel might be heard for 25-30 miles depending upon the antenna, height and obstructions. However most pirate stations serve a 3-5 mile radius.

So how can these pirate stations affect you? How about loss of advertising revenue and ratings from increased competiton, and interference to your station from a station that doesn’t have to abide by any FCC rule or standard.

Pirate Radio Internet sites

Most of the information about how to and where to buy equipment for a pirate station is available on the internet. Here are a few sites you might want to check out. Some of these sites will tell you what Pirate stations are active in your area. There is a grass roots movement by these unlicensed pirate stations to become organized. There is also a pending court case in Berkely California challenging the constitutionality of the FCC rules and regs in this area. It  makes for interesting reading Check it out on the internet.  www.freeradio.org

Other sites of interest:

 http://www.frn.net/
 http://www.thewomb.com/
 http://www.ldbrewer.com/

What can I do about the Pirate stations in my market?

First step is to inform the FCC in writing about the unlicensed station. Any information you can supply them in your letter ie pirate station address, frequency, hours of operation and phone number may be helpful. A follow-up telephone call to the FCC can also be helpful.

If the pirate station is interfering with public saftey, aircraft or emergency communications, the FCC will typically respond rapidly and take the station off the air.  In major markets such as Miami, where there are at least 30 pirate stations on the air, it’s very difficult to get a station off the air because deregulation has greatly reduced the number of FCC offices, field agents, and offices.