We have applauded the FCC’s recent efforts to combat illegal pirate radio stations in New York. Under the PIRATE Act, the Commission is authorized to issue fines to illegal pirate operators and property owners who knowingly allow pirate radio stations to operate on their property.
In addition to addressing complaints, the FCC is required to conduct spectrum sweeps in the top five markets where pirate stations are located.
The FCC has released its annual report outlining its activities. In 2024, the FCC issued 41 notices against property owners. Twenty-two of the notices were the result of a pirate sweep.
Unfortunately, New York leads the nation in pirate enforcement. Since January 21, 2024, the FCC has taken action in 54 cases in New York. This leads the nation. Two of the most notable actions were:
On October 12, 2023, the Commission issued forfeiture orders that affirmed fines—proposed in March 2023—against César Ayora and Luis Ayora for $2,316,034 for pirate radio broadcasting in the New York City area.
On November 15, 2023, the Commission proposed fines for pirate radio broadcasting of $2,316,034 each against Johnny Peralta and Dexter Blake and proposed a fine of $1,780,000 against Matthew Bowen, all in the New York City area.
It has been reported that the FCC is planning to increase the number of personnel devoted to pirate radio enforcement. We applaud the FCC’s efforts and hope Chairman Brendan Carr will continue to take action against illegal pirate radio operations.
You can see the FCC’s Pirate Radio Report here.
You can access the FCC’s website which lists all of its pirate radio enforcement activities here.
You can find an excellent article in Inside Radio that summarizes the FCC’s enforcement activity here.