Media Contact: 
Robin Colwell, (202) 418-2300
Robin.Colwell@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY 
ON PIRATE RADIO ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY
WASHINGTON, March 01, 2016. — Today, the FCC recommits to its mission to defend 
all licensed spectrum from attack, regardless of who is interfering, or why. I’m proud to 
join together with my colleagues on this important step toward taking back the airwaves 
from pirate radio operators, who steal listeners and resources from community 
broadcasters and endanger the public in the process. The technology boom that has 
brought us so many advanced electronics has also made pro-level broadcasting 
equipment much cheaper and more widely available, enabling pirates to multiply and 
expand exponentially across the radio band. While past FCC enforcement efforts have 
failed to keep pace with these developments, today marks a turning point. It is my hope 
that a thoughtful education and outreach campaign can convince those who may be 
unknowingly facilitating pirates to join us as partners in addressing the 
challenge. Together with renewed and refocused enforcement activity in the field, our 
ongoing effort to raise awareness will make a real difference in the fight to protect 
broadcasters and the communities they serve.
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Office of Commissioner Mike O’Rielly: (202) 418-2300
Twitter: @mikeofcc
www.fcc.gov/leadership/michael-orielly
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes 
official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).