Is pirate radio illegal UK?
The operation of an unlicensed radio station, sometimes called ‘pirate radio,’ is illegal. Illegal broadcasters use equipment which may cause interference and have the potential to disrupt the communications of critical services like air traffic control.
What happened to pirate radio stations?
With one stroke of the legislative pen, the pirate radio stations were decimated. A few, such as Radio Caroline, continued under these new restrictions, but most like the esteemed Radio London closed. By September 1967, the power of the pirate radio stations had all but gone.
What were the pirate radio stations called?
Offshore UK the first was Radio Caroline closely followed by Radio London, then followed by either Radio City or Radio King – both broadcasting from disused defence platforms.
Are pirate radio stations Legal?
According to wikipedia: Pirate radio or a pirate radio station is a radio station that broadcasts without a valid license. In some cases, radio stations are considered legal where the signal is transmitted, but illegal where the signals are received—especially when the signals cross a national boundary.
Why is pirate radio illegal UK?
A “pirate” radio station is one which broadcasts without a valid licence. According to broadcast regulator Ofcom, illegal stations and broadcasters can often use equipment which may interfere or disrupt the communications of critical services like air traffic control.
What is the penalty for pirate radio?
Under the amended rule, the Commission has the authority to impose a penalty of up to $100,000 per day, up to a maximum fine of $2 million, against any person who willfully and knowingly does or causes or suffers to be done any pirate radio broadcasting, in addition to any forfeiture penalty amount that may be proposed …
Are there any pirate radio stations left?
This estimated that: “there are currently around 150 illegal radio stations in the UK. At any one time, it is believed that around half of these are transmitting in London, within the M25 area”.
Is the story of pirate radio true?
The plot is based loosely on the saga of an actual former pirate station, Radio Caroline, that was founded by an offbeat Irish entrepreneur named Ronan O’Rahilly, the inspiration for the character portrayed by Bill Nighy.
What was Britain’s first pirate radio station?
Radio Caroline
The first British pirate radio station was Radio Caroline, which started broadcasting from a ship off the Essex coast in 1964. By 1967, ten pirate radio stations were broadcasting to an estimated daily audience of 10-15 million.
Is pirate radio dead?
Although it peaked throughout the 1960s and again during the 1980s/1990s, it remains in existence today. Having moved from transmitting from ships in the sea to towerblocks across UK towns and cities, in 2009 the UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom estimated more than 150 pirate radio stations were still operating.
How do you start an illegal radio station?
Here’s what to do:
- You’ll need. • FM radio transmitter.
- Open up the transmitter. Locate the seam on the transmitter’s case and pry it open with a putty knife (if your transmitter is screwed shut, you’ll need a screwdriver to open it).
- Replace the antenna.
- Remove resistors.
- Pick your device.
- Test it out.
- Go live.
Does Luxembourg radio exist?
The digital station continues broadcasting over the Internet. Both the station and its website make numerous references to the old 208 service.