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https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/pirate-act-misses-the-mark
By Bill DeFelice.
It’s generally well written, and basically makes the point that you’re going to stop more pirate radio operators by limiting the sale of illegal radio transmitters, rather than increased enforcement.
The article then goes off the tracks a little when discussing mistaking legal unlicensed broadcasting (i.e., Part 15 broadcasting) with pirate broadcasting. Methinks there’s a little too much protesting about the potential for mistakes between those intending on being legal, and those not so much.
For example, the rules are pretty clear about antenna & ground lengths for Part 15 AM. If someone uses a 5 foot ground lead, you can argue that they may have misinterpreted the rules. If someone uses a 50 foot ground lead, are they merely being mistaken, or are they deliberately flouting the rules in the hopes that they won’t get caught (but using ignorance as an excuse). The resulting range from such ‘mistakes’ can be similar to pirate operators on the FM band – you can achieve many miles of range with lengthened AM antennas, even with only 100 milliwatts. And the intentions are the same from both types of operators – to achieve as much range as possible. Obviously, there are grey areas when you approach the unlicensed rule boundaries, and there needs to be room for discretion on the part of FCC enforcement. The Gaulle case was brought up in the article, but those instances are rare, and I’ve yet to see a true, public, and unequivocal disclosure of all the facts surrounding it.
I also wonder why even bring up this topic? Let the FCC deal with the grey areas. I doubt very much if the FCC brass or any other mover and shaker really cares about Part 15 broadcasting. It’s small in numbers, there’s little to no money in it, so let the existing infrastructure handle situations.
The rules are the rules. You’re either in compliance or you’re not. If you have issues with the rules, then attempt to change them. That’s life.
Agree with the article, makes sense to target the root cause not the result. And going after landlords is nuts.
But this may not work as they can be purchased directly from China also.
It’s like the war on drugs…anyone that wants drugs gets them.
Those who aren’t in compliance don’t really care; and you are correct, as long as they have access to transmitters, your always going to have pirates.
I find it amusing that over at another Part 15 website, anyone operating on FM who does’t comply with the rules is a blatant pirate, while those on AM who don’t comply are just having a “lapse in judgement”.
The editor at Radio World is Paul McLane. If there’s a follow-up or an opposing viewpoint that any of us thinks is worthy of print, he’s the guy. Otherwise, we are just yelling at each other.
The best way to ensure compliance ( or at least intent to comply) is to adopt Canadian rules – all transmitters must be certified for their intended use.
this is actually one of the reasons i am shutting down as well.
i’m a renter and not a homeowner and don’t want to risk eviction should if be deemed by an agent i’m slightly out of compliance and both me and my landlord get dinged with NOUO’s
i’m sure i am compliant but at the same time i can’t risk it.
the high electric bill (100’s a month) i’m paying here so just two people can listen (me and my friend) is another.
i’m thinking though i just might box everything up and store it vs. sell it off.
i’m currently on the fence.
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