Pirate radio is an unlicensed, illegal radio station. These stations are often set up by individuals or groups who want to broadcast without paying for a license, or who want to avoid government regulation. Pirate radio stations can be found in many countries, and they often operate on frequencies that are not allocated for broadcasting.
Pirate radio stations are a problem for governments and legal broadcasters because they can cause interference with legal stations. They can also be a source of offensive or obscene material, which can be heard by anyone who tuned into the same frequency. In some countries, pirate radio stations have been known to broadcast propaganda or hate speech.
Was pirate radio a real thing?
Yes, pirate radio was a real thing. It was a phenomenon that occurred in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, when a number of unlicensed radio stations began broadcasting without the approval of the government. These stations became popular with the public, as they played music that was not available on the mainstream radio stations.
The government attempted to crack down on these pirate radio stations, but they continued to operate. In 1967, the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act was passed, which made it illegal to operate a pirate radio station. This Act finally put an end to the pirate radio phenomenon.
Are pirate radios legal?
Pirate radios are illegal in many countries, as they operate without a license from the relevant authorities. In the United States, for example, pirate radio stations can be fined up to $10,000 per day by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In the UK, the penalty for operating a pirate radio station is a fine of up to £5,000 and/or up to six months in prison.
When did pirate radio end?
The last pirate radio station in the UK, Radio Caroline, went off the air in 1968. However, there have been a number of short-lived pirate radio stations in the UK since then. In the 1990s, there was a resurgence of interest in pirate radio, with a number of stations springing up, mostly playing dance music. However, these stations were quickly shut down by the authorities.
The most recent pirate radio station in the UK was Radio Hauraki, which broadcast for a few weeks in 2014. The station was shut down by Ofcom, the UK's broadcasting regulator.
Pirate radio is still going strong in other parts of the world, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa.
How do pirate radio make money?
Pirate radio stations typically do not generate revenue through traditional means such as advertising or subscriptions. Instead, they rely on donations from listeners or supporters. In some cases, pirate radio stations may also sell merchandise such as T-shirts or CDs. Is Atlantic 252 still going? As of July 2020, Atlantic 252 is still going. The station is available online and on mobile apps.