In what is seen as a crackdown on pirate radio stations, the FCC has levied $400,000 in fines under the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act.
Pirate stations operate illegally and without an FCC license, which can interfere with and disrupt commercial and safety operations.
Abdias Datis, a repeat offender, is accused of operating at 91.7 in Miami, and has been fined $325,322. The station calls itself Unique FM and is broadcast from a family residence.
A $60,000 fine has been levied against Aaron Streeter. Streeter is accused of operating at 89.1 in Miami Gardens, FL. The station is known as Da Pound FM and also broadcasts from a residence.
“The FCC will not tolerate unlicensed radio broadcasting. It’s that simple,” said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. “Licensed radio stations have invested time and money into their operations and are relied on by the listening public for news, entertainment, and even life-saving warnings. Pirate operations break the law and get in the way of these important services.”
Both operators can respond before a final judgement is made on the fines.
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