That was a big concern for broadcasters when the FCC cut back on the number of field offices last year. And, O’Reilly’s comments at the NAB Leadership Conference probably didn’t make them feel any better about the Pirate Radio issue. O’Reilly said Pirates are eating away at legitimate stations and the principle that all licensed spectrum must be protected, regardless of who is interfering, or why.
O’Reilly says the FCC needs to ramp up enforcement activity in the field, period and he believes the fight to eliminate pirate radio should be fought on every level. “Along with more NALs, a concurrent outreach and education effort could be a real game changer in the fight against pirate radio. Legitimate companies and associations want nothing to do with facilitating illegal activities, but they may not be aware of the pervasiveness of this problem, the damage being done to consumers and legitimate broadcasters, the sophistication of some modern pirate operators, or the seriousness of the potential consequences. So, I have been working with the Chairman, my colleagues, and the Enforcement Bureau to clearly outline the Commission’s pirate radio policies and enforcement goals in an advisory document that we will use to spread the word to building owners, advertisers, political campaigns, concert promoters, venue operators, and others that may be unknowingly enabling pirate operators. Be on the lookout for the results of this effort.”
