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Department of Justice
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz
District of Massachusetts
-----------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011
Contact: Christina DiIorio-Sterling
Phone: (617)748-3356
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/MA
E-MAIL:
USAMA.MEDIA@USDOJ.GOV
RADIO EQUIPMENT SEIZED FROM PIRATE RADIO STATION
Seizure of Datz Hits Radio 99.7 FM radio equipment comes after complaints of interference with signals of licensed broadcaster and FAA signals at Logan Airport
BOSTON, Mass. - On May 13, 2011, federal officials executed a warrant, which
was unsealed yesterday, for the seizure of the radio transmission equipment of
a pirate radio station broadcasting in Boston without a license from the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The radio equipment, used to broadcast
for "Datz Hits Radio 99.7 FM," was located at a residential building at 25
Outlook Road, in the Mattapan area of Boston. A civil action has been brought
seeking forfeiture of the equipment. According to an affidavit filed with the
civil complaint, the radio broadcasting equipment was first discovered by FCC
officials at another address in Boston. After FCC officials warned the
operators they were broadcasting illegally and asked them to shut down the
station, the equipment was moved to 25 Outlook Road where the illegal
broadcasting resumed. Proceedings were then brought to seize and forfeit the
radio broadcasting equipment.
The Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) makes it unlawful to operate radio
broadcasting equipment above certain low-intensity thresholds without having a
license issued by the FCC. The Act authorizes the seizure and forfeiture of any
electronic or radio frequency equipment used with willful and knowing intent to
broadcast without an FCC license. The number of available radio frequencies is
limited, and unlicensed broadcasting can interfere with the broadcasting of
legitimate licensed radio stations, potentially causing chaos in the radio
spectrum.
The forfeiture action was brought after complaints were received from a
licensed broadcaster about interference with its radio signal, and from the
Federal Aviation Administration who complained of interference with radio
communications at Logan Airport.
"It is easy to take for granted the variety and quality of sound we enjoy in
local radio stations. Underlying this is the licensing authority of the FCC,
which ultimately ensures that legitimate stations can operate without
interference from pirate stations," said U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.
Michele Ellison, Chief of the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, stated, "The
operation of unlicensed broadcast stations can cause interference to other
licensed broadcasters and in some circumstances can endanger public safety.
This is an important issue for licensed broadcasters and for the public in
general, as both groups rely on the vigilance of the FCC to keep the airwaves
free of interference. This enforcement action reflects our continued commitment
to that objective."
U.S. Attorney Ortiz and Ms. Ellison made the announcement today. The case is
being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George B. Henderson of Ortiz's
Civil Division.