The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released its annual report to the U.S. Congress on its recent enforcement efforts under the provisions of the “Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement” (PIRATE) Act.
Enacted in early 2020, the PIRATE Act significantly expands the scope of the FCC’s oversight over the unauthorized transmissions of radio frequency signals on FM and AM radio bands. Specifically, the Act increases the maximum permissible monetary penalties for pirate radio operations to $100,000 for a single violation, with a maximum total of $2 million. In addition, it also grants the FCC broader enforcement authority over owners and managers of properties that permit illegal radio operations on their properties.
According to the 2024 Annual Report, the Commission issued 18 Notices of Apparent Liability and six Forfeiture Orders in fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024) in connection with incidents of pirate radio broadcasting. The total value of the penalties assessed under Forfeiture Orders issued in FY 2024 was over $5 million.
The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau also issued 41 notices to property owners or managers during FY 2024, including 22 directly related to Enforcement Bureau investigations under the PIRATE Act. Additional enforcement actions may be forthcoming in FY 2025, as the FCC continues to monitor activity at the properties of those owners or managers received those notices.
The FCC’s Annual Report on PIRATE-related enforcement efforts is available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-408965A1.pdf
