Pirate Radio operating without an FCC license

A number of pirate stations are operating throughout New York City and Northern New Jersey, according to a recent engineering survey that was recently unveiled by the New York State Broadcasters Association.

According to the survey, 76 stations are currently operating without an FCC license in four primary locations. There are 19 unauthorized stations in the Bronx, N.Y.; 29 in Brooklyn, N.Y.; 13 in Newark, N.J.; and 15 in Paterson, N.J. Brooklyn saw a 58% increase in the number of pirate stations compared to a similar survey conducted in 2015.

The survey does observe that it has likely underestimated the number of pirate stations in the area, and that the total number could be more than 100.

The potential harms associated with pirate stations include: interference to Broadcast Emergency Alert Services; interference to FAA frequencies; and failure to comply with RF radiation rules of licensed broadcast stations.

http://www.radioworld.com/article/nybsa-76-pirates-stations-in-new-york-northern-nj/279213

The survey was conducted by engineering firm Meintel, Sgrignoli and Wallace. The full study can be found here.

Unauthorized Radio Operation | Federal Communications Commission
Federal law generally prohibits the "use or operation of any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio" without a license issued by the FCC. Anyone found operating a radio station without an FCC authorization can be subject to a variety of enforcement actions, including seizure of equipment, imposition of monetary forfeitures and criminal penalties.