FCC Goes After Pirate in Queens on 91.9 FM

The FCC continues to go after unlicensed pirate radio stations in the New York City Metro area.  This time, it informed the property owner about a pirate radio station operating in Springfield Gardens, Queens.  According to the FCC:

“The New York Office of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Enforcement Bureau is investigating a complaint about an unlicensed FM broadcast station operating on frequency 91.9 MHz.  On January 16, 2025, agents from the New York Office confirmed by direction finding techniques that radio signals on frequency 91.9 MHz were emanating from the prope1ty at 225th Street, Springfield Gardens, New York 11413 (Property).  Publicly available records identify North Shore Financial I, Inc. as the owner of the Property.  The FCC's records show no license issued for operation of a radio broadcast station on 91.9 MHz at this location.”

Consistent with recent practice, the FCC’s Notice was sent to the property owner.  Under the PIRATE Act, property owners may be fined more than $2 million if they knowingly allow an illegal radio station to operate on their property.  

The FCC is giving property owners 10 days to respond.  Importantly, the FCC is now asking property owners to provide the Commission with the name of the illegal pirate operator.

“You have ten (10) business days from the date of this Notice to respond by providing evidence that you are no longer permitting pirate radio broadcasting to occur at the Property.  In addition, we request that you identify the individual(s) engaged in pirate radio broadcasting on the property that you own or manage. Your response should be sent to the address in the letterhead and reference the listed case number.  Under the Privacy Act of 1974,8 we are informing you that the FCC’s staff will use all relevant material information before it to determine what, if any, enforcement action is required to ensure your compliance with the FCC’s rules.  This will include any information that you disclose in your reply.”

We applaud the FCC’s continued efforts to enforce against illegal pirate radio operations.  Requiring property owners to name the pirate operator is a step in the right direction.  Thank you, FCC.

You can see the Enforcement Bureau’s Notice here.