Senate Clears Bill to Raise FCC Pirate Radio Fines

The Senate unanimously cleared legislation that would allow the Federal Communications Commission to impose up to $2 million in fines against unauthorized radio broadcasters, or so-called pirate radio stations.

The bill, H.R. 583 by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), now heads to the president’s desk. The House passed the bill last February.

FCC enforcement officials are required, under the measure, to conduct annual probes for illegal broadcasts in the five markets with the most pirate stations.