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Pirate radio

Pirate radio may conjure up nostalgic memories of stations like Radio Caroline but modern day illegal broadcasting is a significant problem that could put lives at risk.

These illegal stations are a particular problem in big cities, particularly London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

They set up a transmitter site on high ground or the roof of a council tower block and then broadcast illegally on the FM band.

But they can then create serious consequences by interfering with the communications systems used by the ambulance, fire and police services, as well as air traffic control.

Emergency services

For example, their illegal broadcasts can cause problems for fire engines trying to speak to their control rooms – which could then cause serious delays in getting to fires.

Pirate broadcasters can also drown out legitimate radio stations.

Ofcom is responsible for tackling illegal broadcasting and we estimate there are more than 150 illegal stations operating in the UK, half of them broadcasting across London and the South East.

We monitor the airwaves 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and work closely with the police to crackdown on the problem.

Studio raids

This involves raiding studios and taking them off air, seizing equipment and bringing the culprits to court.

During 2007/8 we carried out 43 raids on studios used by illegal stations and seized 838 illegal transmitters.

This included an operation in February when we joined forces with the police and a number of London boroughs to target illegal broadcasters in the capital.

That operation alone resulted in three arrests, one studio raid, the removal of 22 illegal transmitters and a warning to 20 nightclubs that had advertised events on the illegal stations.

Prison sentence

It’s important to remember that anyone involved with illegal broadcasting is committing an offence.

That includes someone who allows their premises to be used or advertises on a station.

The maximum penalties, at Crown Court, are an unlimited fine and two years in prison.

How to report illegal broadcasting activity.

Illegal broadcasting factsheet.[pdf]

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