The FCC has signaled that it is preparing to redouble its efforts to curb the infestation of FM bandits that have been flooding the airwaves in numerous US locations. The NAB and others are there to lend a helping hand.
NAB thanked the FCC for hosting a 6/29/15 session on the topic.
The FCC went to the trouble of including a list of recommendations that was generated as a result of the session.
Courtesy of NAB’s Rick Kaplan, we have them right here for your information:
* Significantly increase the number of enforcement actions, including Notices of Apparent Liability, Forfeitures and equipment seizures issued by the FCC against pirate operators. This effort should begin immediately as the number of pirate radio stations often increases during the summer months. While the Enforcement Bureau has issued hundreds of Notices of Unlicensed Operation, it has issued relatively few fines or equipment seizures.
* Develop a Commission policy statement to share with private and law enforcement groups and help channel Commission resources towards pirate radio enforcement.
* Implement a dual strategy which increases pirate enforcement effort in the short term using all existing enforcement tools while working on changes in the Communications Act and other federal laws to improve enforcement against pirate radio. This will include a legislative strategy for expanding the Commission’s authority to prosecute pirate radio operators, including coordination with the Federal Aviation Authority and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
* Raise the awareness of entities (e.g., concert venues, building owners and managers, advertisers) that may unknowingly aid and abet pirate radio operators. Develop best practices with representative trade associations and organizations.
* Enlist law enforcement entities that can serve as partners in education efforts.
* Enhance the Commission’s ability to identify and prosecute pirate operators, including the continued assistance of broadcasters in locating illegal radio transmitters and studios.
* Further examine the impact of pirate radio on the nation’s EAS system.
* Create a permanent liaison between the Commission, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, US Marshal’s service, and state and local law enforcement agencies to facilitate pirate radio enforcement.
* Explore using private sector engineers to help FCC offices work with local law enforcement in a more efficient manner.
