The FCC has proposed $857,775 worth of fines against seven alleged Massachusetts pirate radio operators running six different stations.
The reportedly unlicensed radio stations were investigated during 2023 enforcement sweeps of the Boston area under the PIRATE Act. FCC agents from both the Boston and New York Field Offices worked in tandem on the sweep — a practice conducted annually in the five markets where pirates are most active.
“These agents are unsung heroes who help us manage our airwaves, and for their security we do not mention them here today but want them to know we are grateful for their service,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement released by the commission Thursday, April 25.
Among the six stations with proposed fines through NALs include Jean Marius’ “Radio Tele Planet Compas,” which had the largest fine at $597,775. The station had transmitters in Brockton, Randolph and Mattapan. It had been operating since the early 2000s on 89.3 FM, and more recently 105.3 FM from Brockton, according to Jeff Lehmann (AJ1L), a Boston area radio observer who has tracked the proliferation of pirate stations in Southern New England.
Additionally, Renold David, the operator of “Lotnivo FM” 101.9 in Brockton faces a $120,000 fine.
João Vieria’s “Brockton FM” 102.1 in Brockton, Robert Bellinger’s “TBR Radio” 93.1 in Cotuit and “Radio Tele Brockton 96.5,” also known as “Brockton Heat,” operated by Djovany Pierre and Mario Turner, all face proposed fines of $40,000.
Shane Kelly, the operator of “The Test 87.9 FM” in Hyannis was proposed a $20,000 fine.
According to Lehmann, Lotnivo FM remains on the air at 101.9, while the Brockton Heat station was most recently reported broadcasting on 1640 AM. The other stations are reportedly off the air.
The 2020 passage of the PIRATE Act gave the commission the authority to levy fines of up to $100,000 per violation and $2.3 million in total. It also granted the commission authority to take enforcement action against landlords and property owners that willfully and knowingly permit pirate radio broadcasting on their properties.
The NALs contain allegations that depict how each pirate operator has apparently violated the commission’s laws. The operators will be given a 30-day period to respond to their proposed fines before a final decision is made by the commission.
