Florida is having some success in prosecuting pirate radio operators under local statues and now Massachusetts wants to do the same.
While the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts and the FCC recently seized equipment from a pirate station in Roslindale, such seizures are rare, notes the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association.
That’s why the trade group has thrown its support behind a bill introduced into the state legislature to prohibit “any unauthorized radio telecommunication or emission to, or interference with, a public or commercial radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.”
Rep. Steven Walsh introduced H.R. 1679, which would give the state attorney general the power to seek action against pirates, including seizing equipment and seeking money damages.
MBA representatives have discussed the legislation with Senate Chairwoman Katherine Clark. The MBA urges members to contact the broadcast association if their station has been affected by a pirate station.
