So has anyone checked to see if someone else fired up another transmitter on either frequency? Given how idiotic these people seem to be, I wouldn't put it past them.
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Pirate station on 102.1 in Pinellas County
- Thread starter coolaid213
- Start date
Late Sunday afternoon, I did a loop drive from the southern fringe of downtown SP, through the Eastern portion of Kenneth City, though Pinellas Park and then up US Hwy 19 to Ulmerton, nothing on either 1710 or 102.1 that I could detect on a fairly good car radio.
Upon returning to St. Pete there was the erratically scheduled pirate on 96.3 that is only on the air some weekends.
Right now I'm not in Pinellas county, so I could not tell you what may or may not be happening yesterday or today.
drt
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The fact that LPFMs have to be non-comm is directly protecting the commercial broadcasters..however as in the non-comm band this can and is circumvented. Many colleges run actual paid ads (called donations or underwriting) and are presented as "a showcase of our broadcast major's production projects" and they ARE commercial spots. Further the fact that in order to get an LPFM you can not be an individual..the licensee must be an educational or RELIGOUS organization. How fair is this? As far as Pirate broadcasters go..the blatantly obscene programming is offensive to me and I would have a right to protest that if exposed to it. yes I can turn it off..but it is being broadcast and not played to a private party. If that is what they intend..encrypt it so no one but the intended listeners can hear it.
Flatly..LPFM licenses open a conduit of misdirected expenses..including not only the fees for engineering consultants..application fees..type accepted transmission gear, and tower space..but then fees to ASCAP/BMI for music licensing,..utility bills, and a continuing defensive stance against the big power broadcasters who will do whatever they can to discredit you. Many LPFMs end up going dark after the legal operators find that it's not so much fun. And it is grossly expensive to do it by all the rules. They are NOT available to anyone as OK Walters says..they are only available to those who form bogus educational foundations or RELIGOUS groups..and so many of them originate the programming from a location miles from the COL. This helps no communities, and only dilutes the ability of those who would truly enjoy serving and operating a community based station.
An AM opening for anyone wanting to put on a 100 watt station should be given the green light.
Well it's Wednesday, so I wonder great things they have ready to say tonight...
Byron
Saw this on their facebook page:
Guess that means they are dangerous...
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Guess that means they are dangerous...
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I can't listen tonight because I'm going to be on the air, but you better believe I'll be recording.
I can't listen tonight because I'm going to be on the air, but you better believe I'll be recording.
So what happened? Or did their lawyer advise them to shut the hell up?
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I fast forwarded through two hours of the show from 8 to 10 last night, and all they did was talk sports. So, no harm done... I legitimately feel sorry for them, it's unfortunate that anyone should be saddled with a felony for a little harmless broadcasting. I'm sure Ok Walters would like to see them given the chair. Oh well...
I guess their lawyer shushed them up...
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ok walters
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Never said that - you did. You sure are backpeddling fast now and the funny thing is that you are making fun of me but you are genuinely worried that they are going to take it out on you - worried enough to record the show - wow. Do you think a slap on the wrist would deter them or make them even bolder? You got involved and now wish you didn't - you know how mad someone gets when they get arrested and/or fined by the FCC, so let's hope they aren't blaming you for it, even though it appears they are. Good luck and watch your back for mad pirates.
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ok walters
Guest
Well well. They posted all of the LPFM apps on the FCC site and there are twenty applications on six or seven frequencies with a Tampa COL. So much for thier being no frequencies available and that you can't get a station unless you have tons of money as was claimed above.
You can say what you want, but I know several individuals who formed non-profits and have LPFMs, and no they are not all "bogus" as Mr. Laurence would like you to believe. There is also a studio rule that requires the studio to be within 10 miles of the tower for a LPFM, so unless you are referring to a LPFM using satellite programming (which is legal) the programming is not originating "miles form the COL" as claimed above.
As far as commercials running on the LPFMs - there is no rule that says you cannot make sponsor announcements. The rule says that they cannot contain certain language, most specifically a "call to action" or any qualifying statements like "the best" or specific pricing information. You can list all pertinenet information and play it like a commercial - name, address, phone, website, and what they do - just can't include "call today" or "fish fry on Friday for $9.99" or "the best plumber anywhere". Many LPFMs sound similar to a commercial station and have had FCC inspections that verified what they were doing as legal - I know two right here in central Florida and know the situations in depth.
Are there people out there bending or breaking the rules? Sure there are, just as in anything else. However, stereotyping the entire LPFM band as "bogus" or anything else like that is unjust.
You can say what you want, but I know several individuals who formed non-profits and have LPFMs, and no they are not all "bogus" as Mr. Laurence would like you to believe. There is also a studio rule that requires the studio to be within 10 miles of the tower for a LPFM, so unless you are referring to a LPFM using satellite programming (which is legal) the programming is not originating "miles form the COL" as claimed above.
As far as commercials running on the LPFMs - there is no rule that says you cannot make sponsor announcements. The rule says that they cannot contain certain language, most specifically a "call to action" or any qualifying statements like "the best" or specific pricing information. You can list all pertinenet information and play it like a commercial - name, address, phone, website, and what they do - just can't include "call today" or "fish fry on Friday for $9.99" or "the best plumber anywhere". Many LPFMs sound similar to a commercial station and have had FCC inspections that verified what they were doing as legal - I know two right here in central Florida and know the situations in depth.
Are there people out there bending or breaking the rules? Sure there are, just as in anything else. However, stereotyping the entire LPFM band as "bogus" or anything else like that is unjust.
Sometimes I think you're just trolling, OkWalters. I haven't backpedaled one bit. I think it's an unfortunate situation all the way around. It's unfortunate that they were so ignorant as to do what they did and think they could get away with it, and it's unfortunate that corporations are able to lobby the government to snuff out any possible competition by use of force. I guess I am not a black and white kind of person. I think the current rules and regulations are corrupt, and I despise the corporate control on the industry, however I also think it's stupid to break the rules so blatantly and think you won't get caught.
How did I ever indicate that I was worried about them coming after me? I merely acknowledged that they had been threatening me, NOT that I was worried about it. I am a very public person, I like to do things out in the open... this isn't the first pirate I've tracked and it won't be the last. I am a real bonafide radio guy, I have done it all baby... I don't regret getting "involved", the fact is I didn't get "involved". I went 5 minutes out of my way on the drive home and found those guys without even trying. Them blaming me is just the icing on their cake of stupidity... after all they were the ones with yard signs, and call in numbers. I recorded the show because I was hoping I'd have something good for my "aircheck" archive.
I'd like to know where all these LPFM's are that you speak of. I just linked to the FCC LPFM database, did something change in the last two weeks??? As they say, "linky or stinky". I sure as hell haven't heard any LPFM's during my travels around the greater Tampa Bay area. The point you seem to be missing is that no one is claiming that it's totally impossible to get an LPFM... it's just been made really really really difficult (see Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000). Also, I suppose you could squeak by with "underwriting" for your LPFM like community radio stations do, however the service is explicitly described by the FCC as being non-commercial... I would think you would want to be careful about your "underwriting"...
How did I ever indicate that I was worried about them coming after me? I merely acknowledged that they had been threatening me, NOT that I was worried about it. I am a very public person, I like to do things out in the open... this isn't the first pirate I've tracked and it won't be the last. I am a real bonafide radio guy, I have done it all baby... I don't regret getting "involved", the fact is I didn't get "involved". I went 5 minutes out of my way on the drive home and found those guys without even trying. Them blaming me is just the icing on their cake of stupidity... after all they were the ones with yard signs, and call in numbers. I recorded the show because I was hoping I'd have something good for my "aircheck" archive.
I'd like to know where all these LPFM's are that you speak of. I just linked to the FCC LPFM database, did something change in the last two weeks??? As they say, "linky or stinky". I sure as hell haven't heard any LPFM's during my travels around the greater Tampa Bay area. The point you seem to be missing is that no one is claiming that it's totally impossible to get an LPFM... it's just been made really really really difficult (see Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000). Also, I suppose you could squeak by with "underwriting" for your LPFM like community radio stations do, however the service is explicitly described by the FCC as being non-commercial... I would think you would want to be careful about your "underwriting"...
Back to the original topic, I'm still not sure these guys are totally off of the dial yet. They continue to post on Facebook with the frequency position, as if to suggest they are still broadcasting there.
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If they are still on the air, they have either reduced power or changed frequencies.
I did have the occassion around 5:30 this Friday afternoon to drive about half way to Pinellas Park, nothing on 102.1 and before I had been picking them up in the location where I was. I also tried 102.9 thinking maybe they had migrated to another frequency and then let the car radio scan.
I know their website definately gives the impression they're on the air; and the T-shirts they are selling and/or giving away indicate they're on the air, but their website also indicates they're the number one station in Tampa Bay...... so...... I have learned not to believe everything I read on their website. (as well as many other websites). If there's anyone in the immediate Pinellas Park area, they can re-check and correct me, if I missed something.
Also since the Pinellas Park police were also involved and their communication towers are almost across the street where the antenna is or was; I would be relatively certain that the Pinellas Park police are probably scanning the FM Dial as well as maybe even other bands to insure that these guys don't interfere with their communications.
Of course it is possible they have moved the antenna could have been moved to the one residence, we know of where on of these people live, but where I was today was closer to Kenneth City than Pinellas Park, so again, they have reduced power or changed frequencies and their website still gives the two frequencies, AM and FM that they were not on this afternoon that I could determine.
Believe me, if they were in fact operating out of Kenneth City, I think the locals in mid-Pinellas county know about Kenneth City; that police department will ticket people for nearly anything and everything; among other things it is known as a speed trap and there seem to be as many police cruisers on the streets as other vehicles!
Frankly I am mildly interested but not interested enough to take the time to drive up to Pinellas Park that frequently.
As it is, I've driven there about 4 times in the last 14 days, which is 3 more times I have driven up that way from January through about 2 weeks ago.
drt,
st. petersburg
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Don't know if this group has resurfaced near downtown St. Pete or if this is another pirate.
Anyone near downtown St. Pete might want to try 90.9; it is definately pirate; several things give it away; mostly the music, which is pretty similiar to the Pinellas Park operation with uncensored music. The llyrics are very creative using the F bomb, the S bomb and the N word. Just listening for the last 10 minutes and I don't think I've ever heard the N word and the F bomb conjugated so many different ways! At any rate that's a clue that it's not a licensed station; also no RDS, which most commercial FM's have these days. So far no human voices giving any i.d.; just the rap.
I'm just taking a wild guess that the antenna is probably w/i 2 miles of downtown; if they're running the power of most pirates seem to run, I'm guessing they're at least a mile from my location; since 90.9 is not coming in great on all my radios, just the better ones. This may be one of the occassional weekend pirates and not a 24/7 operation.
This pirate at 90.9 was definately not on the air between 5:30 and 6:10PM this evening as I was scanning the deal at that end as well as around 102.1. I was comparing the signals of 88.1 and 91.5 and 90.9 was blank at that time.
EDIT: pirate abruptly shut down or signed off at 9:44PM
drt
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ok walters
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Quote: How did I ever indicate that I was worried about them coming after me? I merely acknowledged that they had been threatening me, NOT that I was worried about it. I am a very public person, I like to do things out in the open... this isn't the first pirate I've tracked and it won't be the last. I am a real bonafide radio guy, I have done it all baby... I don't regret getting "involved", the fact is I didn't get "involved".
You do things out in the open? Is that why you have two screen names and neither identify you? You did get involved - you admit to emailing them to warn them - that is how they know who you are. And then you recorded them to see if they kept threatening you. Wow.
Quote: I'd like to know where all these LPFM's are that you speak of. I just linked to the FCC LPFM database, did something change in the last two weeks??? As they say, "linky or stinky". I sure as hell haven't heard any LPFM's during my travels around the greater Tampa Bay area. The point you seem to be missing is that no one is claiming that it's totally impossible to get an LPFM... it's just been made really really really difficult (see Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000). Also, I suppose you could squeak by with "underwriting" for your LPFM like community radio stations do, however the service is explicitly described by the FCC as being non-commercial... I would think you would want to be careful about your "underwriting"...
Here is the FCC link - you can scroll through the hundreds of applications for LPFMs that are so difficult to get.
http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/f...&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9
Just FM Query for Florida LPFMs and there it is - just like always.
There are applications on 96.3, 96.5, 100.1, 106.1, 106.9, and 107.9. The rules about LPFM underwriting messages is pretty clear and is exactly as I stated before. I will say again that I know personally two LPFMs that run commercial like messages that meet FCC guidelines that have been inspected and all was fine with the messages. Nothing "squeaking by" about it - it is legal. You need to be careful yes, but just careful to not include the banned messages like a call to action or pricing, etc..
You do things out in the open? Is that why you have two screen names and neither identify you? You did get involved - you admit to emailing them to warn them - that is how they know who you are. And then you recorded them to see if they kept threatening you. Wow.
Quote: I'd like to know where all these LPFM's are that you speak of. I just linked to the FCC LPFM database, did something change in the last two weeks??? As they say, "linky or stinky". I sure as hell haven't heard any LPFM's during my travels around the greater Tampa Bay area. The point you seem to be missing is that no one is claiming that it's totally impossible to get an LPFM... it's just been made really really really difficult (see Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000). Also, I suppose you could squeak by with "underwriting" for your LPFM like community radio stations do, however the service is explicitly described by the FCC as being non-commercial... I would think you would want to be careful about your "underwriting"...
Here is the FCC link - you can scroll through the hundreds of applications for LPFMs that are so difficult to get.
http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/f...&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9
Just FM Query for Florida LPFMs and there it is - just like always.
There are applications on 96.3, 96.5, 100.1, 106.1, 106.9, and 107.9. The rules about LPFM underwriting messages is pretty clear and is exactly as I stated before. I will say again that I know personally two LPFMs that run commercial like messages that meet FCC guidelines that have been inspected and all was fine with the messages. Nothing "squeaking by" about it - it is legal. You need to be careful yes, but just careful to not include the banned messages like a call to action or pricing, etc..
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Ok Walters. I emailed these guys from my website cedricharris.com... and all my accounts link back to that site..
I have no idea how much more out in the open I can get... and warning them of impending doom is A LOT different from reporting them to the police. As for the LPFMs, I don't care how many people have applied, how many are actually broadcasting right now? I have only heard 1 here ever.
I have no idea how much more out in the open I can get... and warning them of impending doom is A LOT different from reporting them to the police. As for the LPFMs, I don't care how many people have applied, how many are actually broadcasting right now? I have only heard 1 here ever.
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ok walters
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No one would know where you emailed them from - we only know what is posted on this board. Two screen names is all you can tell from this board, and nothing links back to anywhere.
Three LPFMs in Tampa area now - someone will also get all six of those frequencies so the answer will be nine very soon. There are fifteen full power FMs in the same area.
Three LPFMs in Tampa area now - someone will also get all six of those frequencies so the answer will be nine very soon. There are fifteen full power FMs in the same area.
OK I'll bite. What makes you think he has two screen names? His LOGIN name and DISPLAY name can be different on this forum software. But that doesn't mean he has two different screen names.
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While reading this news and following the lpfm window i notice that they applied for an LPFM license.
https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/w...t=25&appn=101584576&formid=318&fac_num=194483
The thing is that the only competing application was pinellas county and they applied for multiple stations and can only own one if im not mistaking. So, if the competing app gets dismissed because pinellas county gets a license on a deferent location they had a really good chance of geting the license.
It seems that they got ahead of themselves and wanted to be on the air sooner. Do you guys think the fcc will notice that the applicant just got busted for doing pirate broadcasting? If they don't notice it, they might get the license.
https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/w...t=25&appn=101584576&formid=318&fac_num=194483
The thing is that the only competing application was pinellas county and they applied for multiple stations and can only own one if im not mistaking. So, if the competing app gets dismissed because pinellas county gets a license on a deferent location they had a really good chance of geting the license.
It seems that they got ahead of themselves and wanted to be on the air sooner. Do you guys think the fcc will notice that the applicant just got busted for doing pirate broadcasting? If they don't notice it, they might get the license.
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