WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FCC has proposed steep fines against a group of seven pirate radio operators in Massachusetts, investigated during an Enforcement Bureau sweep in the Greater Boston area. The suggested financial penalties total more than $850,000 and is a direct result of the “Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement,” or “PIRATE” act.
The biggest single proposed fine is valued at $597,775 and was handed to Jean Marius, determined by the Commission to be the operator of unlicensed facility “Radio Tele Planet Compas” in Brockton, Randolph, and Mattapan, Mass.
For Renold David, operator of unlicensed Haitian Kreyol-language “Lotnivo FM” in Brockton, Mass., faces a $120,000 fine.
In addition, the following pirate radio operators each face $40,000 in fines:
- Joao Vieira, operator of the pirate radio station “Brockton FM” in Brockton, Mass.
- Robert Bellinger, operator of a pirate radio station, known as “TBR Radio” in Cotuit, Mass.
- Djovany Pierre and Mario Turner, operators of “Radio Tele Brockton 96.5” or “Brockton Heat”, in Brockton, Mass.
Shane Kelly, the operator of the pirate radio station “The Test 87.9 FM” in Hyannis, Mass., faces a $20,000 fine.
As is the normal procedure when Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture are distributed by the Commission, each party will be given an opportunity to respond. The Commission will consider the parties’ submissions of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.
Under the PIRATE Act, enacted in 2020, the FCC can fine pirate radio operators up to $119,555 per day and a maximum of $2,391,097, as adjusted for inflation. The legislation increases possible penalties for illegal broadcasting, requires the FCC to conduct periodic enforcement sweeps, and grants the Commission authority to take enforcement action against landlords and property owners that willfully and knowingly permit pirate radio broadcasting on their properties.
— With reporting by Adam R Jacobson
