Broadcasters in and around the nation’s largest radio market are getting some congressional support in their push for more FCC action against illegal pirate stations.
More than 30 legislators signed a letter to Chairman Wheeler expressing concern. Read it here (PDF).
The New York State Broadcasters spearheaded the effort, led by President/Executive Director David Donovan; the New Jersey Broadcasters Association expressed its support.
The letter says that there appear to be 34 illicit operations just in Brooklyn and the Bronx. It argues that pirate stations interfere with services of legitimate licensed stations; often focus on “vulnerable populations” without regard to basic consumer protection laws and FCC regulations; and undermine investment in minority broadcasters.
It also raised concerns about possible interference with EAS alerts, and stated that at least one station had asked to change its EAS monitoring assignment because of interference from unauthorized operators to WNYC.
They asked the FCC to increase the number of people assigned to the New York field office.
