House OKs Bill Raising FCC’s Fines Against Pirate Broadcasters

The House passed legislation that increases the cap on the Federal Communications Commission’s fines on unlicensed “pirate radio” broadcasters.

The measure, which passed by voice vote, raises the maximum amount the FCC is allowed to fine unauthorized radio broadcasters to $2 million from $144,344. Maximum daily fines against pirate stations—operating without an FCC license—would increase to $100,000 from $10,000 per day per violation under the bill.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ), also requires the FCC to do enforcement sweeps twice a year in the five U.S. radio markets with the most illegal broadcasting.

The bipartisan bill’s passage ...