DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — In mid-November 2023, the operator of an unlicensed radio station at 105.7 MHz, audible in parts of The Bronx and Yonkers, N.Y., was handed a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture of more than $2 million for his Spanish-language illegal operation branded as “La Mia Radio.”
Now, the FCC has affirmed that suggested fine. But, can it collect it?
Even with enhanced enforcement power given to the Commission thanks to the PIRATE Act, the $2,316,034 penalty handed to La Mia Radio operator Johnny Peralta could arrive within 30 days — or not.
In North Miami, Fla., Fabrice Polynice was fined $2,391,097 for his long-standing “Radio Touche Douce” operation at 90.1 MHz. That January 25 action was met with much fanfare, with FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel thanking Miami Field Office agents in the Enforcement Bureau for their efforts. Yet, as of mid-June, scans of the radio dial in Aventura, Fla., found Haitian-language programming at 90.1 MHz — suggesting Polynice has simply thumbed his nose at what he may believe is an unenforceable fine.
For the Enforcement Bureau, shutting down Polynice may not be so easy. For more than 20 years, Miami-based radio piracy has reportedly involved other illegal activities, prohibiting U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement to conduct a raid out of fears a firearms battle would erupt. Other safety issues have dogged Enforcement Bureau agents since the early 2000s.
In the case of the unregulated radio operation targeting Dominicans known as “La Mia Radio,” which dates to 2018, what’s next is unclear. A website offers phone numbers for an office and a studio, just like a licensed FM. An advertisement for Better Families LLC appears on the homepage. The online stream for “La Mia Radio” was functioning as of midday Thursday with what appeared to be regular broadcasts.
It is unclear if the associated “La Mia TV,” found on cable TV systems in the Dominican Republic, is impacted by the FCC’s fine.
