Here’s something to think about: Why would we want to cultivate the idea that Part 15 low power radio is some kind of “pirate” operation? That’s what most people tend to think anyway. And it is typically the reason why many legitimate Part 15 operators get hassled by FCC agents.
People often assume that any station they hear that’s not a licensed station “must be a pirate” and therefore should be reported to the FCC. So I have to ask; how is it helping our attempts to legitimize Part 15 low power operation by associating ourselves with the term “Pirate Radio”? Or with those who promote that idea?
In my opinion, this is something to be avoided.
Afraid of FCC Shadow
You’ve made my ears perk up WEAK-AM. For several years I’ve watched enforcement action information exactly because I wondered if part 15 people ever got pestered, and the only cases I noticed were those when the 3-meter rule was exceeded, especially with long ground leads. But you mentioned “legitimate Part 15 operators got hassled” and I’d like to hear about those cases.
Thanks.
LEGAL Community Microbroadcasting
Words make all the difference in the world. Because the graphic word is less than three dimensional most of the time, how we write on subjects is often less important than the spoken comment. Even after 41+ years as a commercial radio and television broadcaster, I continue to be surprised by normal everyday people’s indifference as to whether what they want to listen to is licensed or not. To nearly everyone, it is what it is. I like it or I don’t. I will listen or not. I take ownership or not.
If, as community oriented microbroadcasters, we continue to supply the listener with content they are searching for, it is then they will support us by listening. If nobody listened, nobody was bothered by interference, if microbroadcasting didn’t exist, would anyone care. If the answer is yes, then it is high time to clearly identify our backers and bring them into our close circle of friends. First, we will no longer be alone, socially or politically. Look at the low power FM station in Pahrump, Nevada that received permanent authorization from the FCC by providing evidence of need and support.
Begin called a pirate or not is a matter of perception based on some prejudice; some previous experience or knowledge. Quit hiding from supporters of your broadcasting efforts. Ask them to openly support what you do. You may be surprised by the response. If you need to change what you do to shape public opinion, so be it. Welcome to the world of real world broadcasting. If you want to wear the name badge of broadcaster, then step up and accept the responsibility of providing your service within the rules and perceptions of listeners.
Many of us have invested thousands of dollars to develop more than hobby operations. We consider ourselves as “legal community microbroadcasters”.
Moved and Seconded
Rev. Johnson I enjoyed your remarks and second the motion that as listeners we enjoy finding programs we like and have no thought of investigating a station’s authority. If anything, MOST of the licensed stations are complete wastes of energy, and for my part, I’d love to discover an entertaining Part 15er or outright pirate providing desirable programs. I would NOT report a pirate, but I might complain about the licensed duds. Finally, though, I will not myself do pirate broadcasting but I can sympathize with the more idealistic people who do.
“Pirate Radio” Is Legal Here
“Pirate Radio” is the slogan used by a licensed radio station in Bakersfield. Apparently Bakersfield citizens are able to separate the two out. Outlaw Radio is also used to refer to the stations independents from the RIAA and the major record labels and predictable play list.
The legitimate broadcasters in Bakersfield don’t have a big problem with undocumented broadcasting anyway. It’s a live and let live attitude among the broadcast community there.
Steve
http://www.radiooutlaw.com
Bakersfield’s Indie Station
Part 15 IS pirate radio if
Part 15 IS pirate radio if you live in Florida.
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/03/01/4/FloridaRFIStatuteDeclaratoryRuling.pdf
Or at the very least, if your Part 15 causes interference to a licensed station you are a felon!
Is Florida Like Cuba??
I don’t understand. There are lots of kits out there that operate within the part 15 FCC regulations. The 200 In One lab kit has a AM broadcaster circuit and even the 300 In One lab kit. We should still have rights to get on the air anytime we want in FL and anywhere in the US and play our own music or jokes. There is probably alot of clear channel radio stations out there in FL that are very picky what they play on their radio stations and the ratings are low. I bet radio over there is very boring to listen to since they don’t have good DJ’s and program directors, thats probably why the pirate radio activity is high there cause DJ’s and program directors cannot pick out good music for listeners to listen to. Also the Florida stations have too many Spanish radio stations on air that people do not understand what they are saying and mostly mexican music is being played. So let me get this straight you are considered a felon even when you build a small AM transmitter with just 6 AA batteries that the kit instructed to do so even if you use a small 5 foot wire antenna? Florida sounds like Cuba to me. These people in Florida need to fight back for their rights and get the privillege back in place before 2004.
What has happened since 2005?
I note that the ARRL filed its request about four years ago. Has the FCC responded?