Working with federal and local law enforcement authorities, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has seized radio transmission equipment from two radio stations in the Boston area that were found to be operating illegally.
According to a press release issued by the FCC, the seizure occurred on March 26 at locations in Roxbury and Dorchester where pirate radio broadcaster “Big City” allegedly operated without a license from the FCC. The operator reportedly continued their illegal broadcasts even after receiving multiple warnings from the Commission’s Enforcement Bureau. The failure to appropriately respond to the Commission’s warnings ultimately led to the issuance of a forfeiture order by the Commission, and the execution of the order by officers of the Enforcement Bureau, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Boston Police Department.
The Communications Act of 1934 expressly forbids the operations of radio broadcasting equipment above certain spectrum thresholds without an FCC-issued license. Failure to follow the Commission’s rules can lead to the seizure and forfeiture of any equipment used in connection with unlicensed transmissions.
Read the press release issued by the FCC in connection with the seizure of equipment.
