Media Contact: Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509 will.wiquist@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC PROPOSES FINE OF OVER $450,000 AGAINST BOSTON-AREA PIRATE RADIO OPERATOR Highest Proposed FCC Fine Ever for Unlicensed Broadcasting -- WASHINGTON, December 12, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission today proposed a $453,015 fine against Gerlens Cesar, the operator of an enterprise identifying itself as Radio TeleBoston, for apparent unlicensed and unlawful broadcasting. Today’s action marks the largest fine ever proposed by the FCC against a pirate radio operation. Cesar used three separate transmitters for his apparently unlawful broadcasting, resulting in three apparent violations of the law. The Commission proposed imposing the statutory maximum forfeiture amount for each of these three apparent violations. Under the Communications Act, it is illegal to broadcast above certain low-power levels without a license from the FCC. Such pirate radio broadcasting can interfere with licensed communications including public safety transmissions. Cesar apparently simulcasts Radio TeleBoston on three unauthorized transmitters on two different frequencies. His operation thus had the potential to cause interference in various locations in and around Boston and at different channels on the FM dial. As a result of the scale of this operation, its potential impacts, and its continuous nature, the Commission has proposed the maximum penalty amount for all three transmitters. The FCC received complaints from residents of Boston and Randolph, Massachusetts of an illegal station operating at both 90.1 and 92.1 MHz. One of those complaints identified Cesar, owner of GC Computer, as the operator of Radio TeleBoston. FCC Enforcement Bureau field agents were able to locate the transmitters and determine that they far exceeded the allowable power level for unlicensed broadcasting. The Enforcement Bureau issued Cesar multiple written notices that his conduct was illegal and had to cease. Cesar nonetheless continued to broadcast Radio TeleBoston from multiple transmitters and frequencies, none of which were licensed, resulting in today’s proposed fine. The proposed action, formally called a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contains only allegations that advise a party on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty. The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL. Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions. The party will be given an opportunity to respond and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter. Action by the Commission December 12, 2019 by Notice of Apparently Liability for Forfeiture (FCC 19-133). Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks approving. Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly and Starks issuing separate statements. ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 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).