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Federal Communications Commission
1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News media information 202 / 418-0500
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov


This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

Report No. CI 99-8 COMPLIANCE & INFORMATION ACTION February 18, 1999



FCC CLOSES AN UNLICENSED RADIO STATION IN OAKLAND PARK, FLORIDA


The FCC, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service and the United States Attorney's Office, seized radio transmission equipment used in the operation of an unlicensed FM radio station in Oakland Park, Florida on January 15, 1999.

The illegal radio station, identifying itself as "Vibes 89.1 FM," was operating on FM frequency 89.1 MHz. The FCC determined that the unlicensed radio station was operating at power levels as high as 5,590 times in excess of permitted power levels for non-licensed broadcasting. The seizure of the equipment followed FCC warnings to the operator about the penalties for unauthorized operations, and attempts by FCC agents to have the station voluntarily discontinue transmission.

The FCC urges operators of all unlicensed stations to voluntarily cease their illegal broadcasting operations. Unlicensed or unauthorized operation of a radio transmitter or station (AM, FM, International Short Wave and TV) is a violation of Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 301. Under the Communications Act, violators may be subject to penalties up to $11,000 and the equipment used is subject to seizure and forfeiture by court order. Unlicensed operators also could be subject to criminal fines of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year, or both, for a first-time offense.

-FCC-

News media contact: David H. Fiske at (202) 418-0500.
Compliance and Information Bureau contact: Pamera Hairston at (202) 418-1160;
TTY (888) 835-5322