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Federal Communications Commission
1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News media information 202 / 418-0500
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.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. Circ 1974).

Report No. CI 98-18 COMPLIANCE AND INFORMATION ACTION September 29, 1998


FCC CLOSES AN UNLICENSED RADIO STATION IN MEMPHIS



The FCC, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshal's Service and the United States Attorney's Office, seized radio transmission equipment operated by an unlicensed station in Memphis Tennessee, on September 23, 1998.

The illegal radio station was using the unauthorized frequency "94.7 MHz" and calling itself "Free Radio Memphis." The seizure of the equipment followed FCC warnings to the operator about the unauthorized operations, and attempts by the Commission's agents to have the station voluntarily discontinue transmissions. The radio station was operating at power levels ranging from 90 to 6,400 times in excess of authorized power levels for low power broadcasting.

The FCC urges operators of all unlicensed stations to voluntarily cease their illegal broadcasting operation. Unlicensed or unauthorized operation of a radio transmitter or station (AM, FM, International Short Wave and TV) is a violation of Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 301. Under the Communications Act, violators may be subject to penalties up to $11,000 and the equipment used is subject to seizure and forfeiture by court order. Unlicensed operators also could be subject to criminal fines of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year, or both, for a first-time offense.

-FCC-

News media contact: David H. Fiske at (202) 418-0500.
Compliance and Information Bureau contact: Pamera Hairston at (202) 418-1160