In this letter to the editor, the author comments on Randy Stines’ recent article “Pirate Radio Is Not Just a Big-City Problem.” Comment on this or any article. Email radioworld@futurenet.com.
Just read Randy’s article. We’ve had several cases here in central Oregon. So far, threats to report them to the FCC have shut them down.
Just yesterday I checked on a Christmas display in a neighboring town. In the past they were transmitting on one of our translator frequencies. And a second transmitter was on a first adjacent.
I talked to a contact in the police department. I told him if the offenders didn’t shut down I would report them to the FCC and that they really didn’t want to receive a visit or inquiry. He in turn spoke with the offenders.
They did move to frequencies that are not interfering with anyone. I suspect that their ERP is above the legal limit for unlicensed operation, but since they are temporary and not interfering it isn’t worth my time or the FCC’s to pursue it. Our FCC engineer-in-charge has been very helpful on these matters.
I think most FCC engineers will respond if they know that a pirate is causing interference to a licensed service.
— Terry Cowan, KNLR(FM)/KNLX(FM), Bend, Ore.
[Related: “FCC Writes Up 3 More NYC Pirates, This Time With $6M in Proposed Fines“]
