I am not sure "pirating" was ever a widely accepted a euphemism for "hobby broadcasting." In fact, pirate radio stations started in the UK for the same reasons as indicated above by BJ Steigner. You almost sound bitter that today’s pirates seem more successful than you were in your pirating days. However; I find it more acceptable and valuable that today’s pirate stations are a product of trying to fill an void in on-air programming which results from flawed FCC rules and regulations. Conversely, folks like yourself did it for purely self-serving reasons as a personal hobby. So, the fact that New York is becoming allot like Miami with pirate stations providing more variety and servicing demographics which has been deemed not financial valuable enough by the big radio monopolies is a good thing in my estimation. So, as the song goes; go cry me a river. I view pirate radio stations and modern day civil rights activists who are marching on the public airwaves. God’s speed pirates!PeteRFNY said:It is unfortunate that back in the days when "pirating" was a euphamism for "hobby broadcasting" by people who were respectful and careful to not interfere with liscensed stations, those guys (including myself) were hunted down like Columbian druglords by the FCC. Of course that was when you could count the amount of pirates in the NYC area on half of one hand. Now, there are dozens of pirates who do not care who they interfere with, leaving dead carriers when not programming and overmodulating, selling commercial time, swearing, etc.
NYC is becoming another Miami, where pirates outnumber FCC agents 10-1. The FCC either doesn't care or don't want the hassle. If only we had that luxury back in the 70s and 80s.