January 25, 2025

This Week in Amateur Radio

North America's Premiere Amateur Radio News Magazine

FCC Hits 13 Landlords in NYC Metro Area With Pirate Letters

The FCC Enforcement Bureau’s New York Office has sent 13 different landlords in New York City, Rockland County, N.Y., and northern New Jersey the “pirate letter” after discovering alleged illegal FM broadcasts originating from their properties.

The NYC metropolitan area is notoriously known for pirate operators. Each of the 13 cases outlined below occurred within the last year.

According to FCC Rules, the landlords could face a fine of nearly $2.4 million if the commission determines that an illegal broadcast continued from a property they own or manage after receiving notice.

The 2020 passage of the PIRATE Act provided the FCC additional enforcement authority against pirate broadcasters — including periodic sweeps, enforcement action against both landlords and property owners and tougher fines. At the start of the year, the commission also ordered six vehicles to support four new full-time hires to assist with efforts.

Read more – RadioWorld: https://bit.ly/3WxYLKX