FCC Issues First Fines Under PIRATE Act

The FCC issued heavy fines against two pirate radio operators, one in New York and the other in Oregon.  These are the first proposed fines under the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (PIRATE Act).  The New York pirate operator has fines of over $2.3 million, while the Oregon pirate operator has an $80,000 tab.  Both fines are at the notice stage, so the operators can respond and contest the actions.

The PIRATE Act gave the FCC additional enforcement authority, including higher penalties of up to $100,000 per day.  The FCC is also authorized to conduct periodic enforcement sweeps and take action against landlords and property owners that knowingly and willfully permit pirate radio broadcasting on their properties.