Michael Dudley of Guntersville, AL, could not persuade the Commission to reduce his big fine after being caught operating two illegal stations from his home. Dudley was first busted in May, for a pirate station at 103.9-FM, and surrendered his equipment to the FCC’s Atlanta office. He was then caught in July, operating at 107.9. The second time he refused to shut it down, which does not make the Commission happy.
Dudley did not deny he operated the illegal stations. He argued to the Commission that the station did not interfere with any other stations, that no one was harmed by the station’s operation, and that he does not have the resources to pay the forfeiture. The Commission said no-can-do Mr. Pirate, that’s not good enough. “We find no reason to cancel, withdraw, or reduce the proposed penalty, and assess the $15,000 forfeiture the Bureau previously proposed.”
Read the FCC’s Forfeiture Order HERE
