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Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC PROPOSES FINE AGAINST UNLICENSED ‘PIRATE’ RADIO 
STATION, INCLUDING PROPERTY OWNERS
--
WASHINGTON, September 26, 2017—The Federal Communications Commission today 
proposed the maximum fine allowable by statute—$144,344—against a so-called “pirate radio”
operation in North Miami, Florida.  The action marks the first time the Commission has proposed 
finding the property owners where the transmission equipment was located apparently liable for 
the operation of the station.  Unlicensed radio broadcasts are illegal and can interfere with 
licensed broadcasting, including broadcasters’ ability to communicate public safety warnings to 
their communities.  
The Commission’s investigation of this matter first began in 2012 when the Enforcement 
Bureau’s Miami Field Office received a complaint about a potential unauthorized station 
broadcasting on 90.1 MHz in the North Miami area.  After finding that the station was not 
authorized, Commission agents repeatedly warned both Fabrice Polynice, a programming 
provider, and Harold and Veronise Sido, who own the property where the station’s transmission 
equipment is located, that the unauthorized transmission of a radio broadcast is illegal.  These 
earlier actions resulted in a seizure, pursuant to a Federal court order, of transmission equipment 
from the Sido residence in 2012 and a Forfeiture Order against Mr. Polynice in 2013.  
Despite knowing that these actions were illegal, Mr. Polynice apparently continued to operate the 
pirate station from the Sido residence.  In fact, the parties even posted video of themselves in 
their pirate studio to social media. Commission field agents found on a least seven different 
occasions that the illegal station was still being operated from the Sido residence by Mr. Polynice.  
The Bureau’s investigation found that while Mr. Polynice apparently provided programming for 
the station, the Sidos apparently provided material support in the form of free use of their 
property, including the shed from which Mr. Polynice broadcast, as well as electricity and 
internet connectivity necessary for operation of the transmitter and antenna. 
As a result of this investigation, the Commission today issues a Notice of Apparent Liability for 
Forfeiture (NAL) against Mr. Polynice and Mr. and Mrs. Sido.  The NAL finds that the actions of 
all three individuals were continuous and deliberate.  Accordingly, the NAL proposes to fine all 
three individuals jointly and severally for a total of $144,344.
     
Federal law generally prohibits the operation of a broadcast radio station without a license issued 
by the Commission.  Congress enacted this requirement as a means of ensuring a fair and 
equitable distribution by the FCC of scarce spectrum resources to maximize its availability and 
use among entities, such as TV and radio broadcasters, public safety agencies, and wireless phone 
and data networks.  The Miami area, along with Boston and New York, have generally proven to 
have the greatest concentration of pirate radio activities, as shown by this FCC map: 
https://go.usa.gov/xRMhe.
Mr. Polynice and Mr. and Mrs. Sido will have 30 days to respond.  The Commission will then 
review the response and any additional evidence, and may then proceed to issue a final forfeiture
order.  If finalized, the Commission expects prompt payment of a fine.  If such a payment is not 
received within 30 days, the matter is referred to the Justice Department for collection.
Action by the Commission September 26, 2017 by Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture 
(FCC 17-127). Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel 
approving. Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly and Carr issuing separate 
statements.
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
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. Cir. 1974).