Why is pirate radio a problem?
Pirate radio is seen by some people as a bit of harmless fun and the actions of the Agency in taking enforcement action against stations heavy handed and unnecessary. The truth is that participation in pirate radio is a criminal and anti-social activity and station operations are a menace to legal broadcasters and the public alike. Pirate broadcasters: Cause interference to the broadcasts of legal radio stations depriving them of audience and the public of the ability to listen to the station of their choice. Steal frequencies and space on the radio spectrum and their use of poor transmitting equipment makes interference an inevitable consequence of their activities. Unauthorised use of premises as transmitter sites leads to criminal damage and theft – a burden carried by the owners or residents of the premises used. Pay no business, council, VAT or income taxes and therefore take from, rather than contribute to, the communities they claim to serve. They disrupt the vital communication
