A property owner in a Boston neighborhood has received a notice from the FCC regarding pirate radio broadcasts on 1620 AM.
The notice of illegal pirate radio broadcasting was sent to S-1595 Blue Hill Avenue Realty Trust, the owner of the property where the signal was detected. Agents from the Enforcement Bureau’s New York Office visited an address on Blue Hill Avenue in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood in July and September of last year. They observed unlicensed broadcasts on 1620 AM during both visits. The closest licensed station on the frequency is approximately 1,200 miles away in Florida.
The Blue Hill Avenue address matches the location listed on social media for Pelege Marcellin, the operator of Radio Energy Boston. The Brockton Enterprise reported in 2022 that Marcellin had purchased the station, which it identified as broadcasting on 1620 AM. The newspaper said then that the station had been in operation for 22 years.
A list of Boston area unlicensed broadcasters from 2014 also includes the station.
According to the notice, the property owner has 10 business days to provide evidence that pirate radio broadcasting has ceased at the location. The notice also requests that the names of the individuals involved in the station be sent to the commission.
The FCC warned that a fine of up to approximately $2.3 million may be issued if pirate broadcasting continues after the 10-day period.
Note: Radio World has reached out to Radio Energy Boston for comment on this story. We will update this article as warranted.