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The rise and uncertain future of ''pirate'' radio in Boston - Boston Phoenix
- Thread starter thetheo
- Start date
I have already Emailed my letter to the editor,
concerning this irresponsible article...
concerning this irresponsible article...
I put a couple comments on there, mentioning how AM stations and college outlets, etc. can serve some of these people. Look at how WMWM, for example, has Hispanic shows on the weekends.
These folks could have set up a pirate in Salem, Peabody, Beverly, etc. but instead they get to do a show on a legitimate station.
Sure, many people would love to do their own station on the "free" airwaves but there needs to be regulation. Are there people out there needing to be served, the local community? Yes, but they need to take advantage of the licensed stations, not start one on their own. Is it sad that there aren't enough frequencies for all? Yeah, but who said life is fair. But why go to the FCC and launch a legit station when you can throw your own signal on. Who cares if it causes interference. Who cares if you're not subject to the rules the legit stations are. (Why should you be? You're illegal, and we don't need no stinkin' FCC to stop our 'freedom of speech', eh?)
And with cable TV, the Net, etc., there are other ways to get out there.
These folks could have set up a pirate in Salem, Peabody, Beverly, etc. but instead they get to do a show on a legitimate station.
Sure, many people would love to do their own station on the "free" airwaves but there needs to be regulation. Are there people out there needing to be served, the local community? Yes, but they need to take advantage of the licensed stations, not start one on their own. Is it sad that there aren't enough frequencies for all? Yeah, but who said life is fair. But why go to the FCC and launch a legit station when you can throw your own signal on. Who cares if it causes interference. Who cares if you're not subject to the rules the legit stations are. (Why should you be? You're illegal, and we don't need no stinkin' FCC to stop our 'freedom of speech', eh?)
And with cable TV, the Net, etc., there are other ways to get out there.
A
ArtSpooner
Guest
This state is run by those bastions of law and order"Wyatt Earp" Patrick and "Annie Oakley" Coakley. I'm surprised that most of the stations aren't illegal. After all, according to our Attorney General "in Massachusetts it's not illegal to be illegal".
I don't care if Bozo the Clown and a 3 day old cheeseburger are running the state, it's in violation of a FEDERAL law. But the real problem is that the FCC won't go after these pirates, especially ones in the bad neighborhoods because they don't want to get shot shutting down a radio station. The federal marshalls are needed for this type of enforcement, and for whatever reason, nothing ever gets done. Just "fines" that will never be collected.
The guy north of Boston that was running oldies on 87.9 got shut down pretty fast because it was safe to do so. He was running 100 watts. "Hot 97" 87.7 is running 5kW and radiating all of the neighboring houses in Dorchester, but that has gone on for almost 2 years now.
The guy north of Boston that was running oldies on 87.9 got shut down pretty fast because it was safe to do so. He was running 100 watts. "Hot 97" 87.7 is running 5kW and radiating all of the neighboring houses in Dorchester, but that has gone on for almost 2 years now.
Aside from sporadic and experimental pioneers, though, there is one unlicensed legend who stands out among the rest —Stephen Provizer,or, as one local reggae DJ calls him, "that famous white guy from Allston."
Read more: http://thephoenix.com/boston/news/118277-ise-and-uncertain-future-of-pirate-radio-/#ixzz1IzVX6Li7
Priceless! ;D
Read more: http://thephoenix.com/boston/news/118277-ise-and-uncertain-future-of-pirate-radio-/#ixzz1IzVX6Li7
Priceless! ;D
@WNTIRadio 87.9 The Wave is still around and broadcasting on the internet at: http://www.879thewave.webs.com. The station is programmed by the original operator and myself. We even have a Facebook page with pictures of when it was a pirate station as well as photos of the new studio: http://www.facebook.com/pages/879-The-Wave-Online/128750860520864. (P.S. Don't forget to listen to me every Wednesday from 3-7 PM EST on 87.9 The Wave Online!)
The Wave 87.9 FM was on the air for about 10 years before it was shut down. It operated on various frequencies including 88.5, 89.3, 90.5, and finally 87.9 FM. The Wave originally operated with 10 watts but later upgraded to 100 watts. At the very end we broadcasted with 500 watts. With the hight and placement of the antenna we got out pretty well. We were heard clearly in 3 states (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine) We could be heard into Manchester in NH, to York Beach in Maine, and if the weather was right all the way down to Cape Cod in Massachusetts.
WLYNgm said:
Since when is reporting what one sees irresponsible?
Should we stop writing about anything that's illegal and ignore the fact that it's going on?
If anything this article made the fact that these stations exist public knowledge to a lot of people who wouldn't otherwise know.
It's up to the FCC to decide what to do with the actual stations, but the reporter did nothing wrong.
calling pirate radio's future "uncertain" is irresponsible for being so dubious
numerous "helped dispatch messages from officials about public services and relief agencies." seems to be trying to whitewash a picture of public service. all i recall after earthquake was a few phone-numbers / names being read out on SignalFM which is rebroadcast in any city in creole diaspora (check their shoutcast status, its routinely near its 1000-listener limit, more listeners than most college stations)
not mentioning interesting tidbits like the Mayor running ads on virtually all of the stations, and most of the stations running .gov PSAs and making money while splattering legitimate stations's wasnt mentioned. why not? my poor litle SONY's AFC latches onto HOT97 and not WMBR.
"communities that have been left voiceless" is similarly inaccurate. how many haitian programs are on 1510, 1550, 90.3, 88.1? at least a half dozen. do we really need reggae on 88.9, 88.1, 90.3, 96.5, 99.7, 101.3. 102.9, 105.3 ? this one genre needs all that? seems like overkill. im sure Rodigan, Anaconda, Fadah P could get to some mutually agreeable schedule and whittle their collection of 5-6 stations down to 1, with a bit of coordination
numerous "helped dispatch messages from officials about public services and relief agencies." seems to be trying to whitewash a picture of public service. all i recall after earthquake was a few phone-numbers / names being read out on SignalFM which is rebroadcast in any city in creole diaspora (check their shoutcast status, its routinely near its 1000-listener limit, more listeners than most college stations)
not mentioning interesting tidbits like the Mayor running ads on virtually all of the stations, and most of the stations running .gov PSAs and making money while splattering legitimate stations's wasnt mentioned. why not? my poor litle SONY's AFC latches onto HOT97 and not WMBR.
"communities that have been left voiceless" is similarly inaccurate. how many haitian programs are on 1510, 1550, 90.3, 88.1? at least a half dozen. do we really need reggae on 88.9, 88.1, 90.3, 96.5, 99.7, 101.3. 102.9, 105.3 ? this one genre needs all that? seems like overkill. im sure Rodigan, Anaconda, Fadah P could get to some mutually agreeable schedule and whittle their collection of 5-6 stations down to 1, with a bit of coordination
It's not "trying" to whitewash a message of public service, there are some instances of public service.
And yeah, all those stations play reggae all the time....or not....most you list play it somewhere between 2 hours and 12 hours per week.
Yes there's lots of choices on the radio here, but it's not like there's not a lot missing either. And it's not against any laws (or rules of journalism) to make a case for those.
I'm not saying Pirate Radio is AOK and should just be a free for all.
But I would like to see some of them get LPFMs and become legit.
The ones that don't, then yeah, the FCC should do something about them.
But that's not my job, your job, or the writers job.
And yeah, all those stations play reggae all the time....or not....most you list play it somewhere between 2 hours and 12 hours per week.
Yes there's lots of choices on the radio here, but it's not like there's not a lot missing either. And it's not against any laws (or rules of journalism) to make a case for those.
I'm not saying Pirate Radio is AOK and should just be a free for all.
But I would like to see some of them get LPFMs and become legit.
The ones that don't, then yeah, the FCC should do something about them.
But that's not my job, your job, or the writers job.
I think the problem was that the overall tone of the article was ignoring the fact that these stations are illegal operations that cause interference to law-abiding broadcasters. The article could have talked about perceived unfairness in the distribution of licenses, but should have made more a point to acknowledge that these stations are breaking the law, and harming those that don't break the law.
The article, and most articles, never really cover the commercial viability of these stations. It costs money to run a station, commercial or non-commercial. If urban radio on 97.7 were commercially viable, why did Radio One bail? And if it was due to greed, where's the outrage that the minority broadcasters with the ability to broadcast to the "voiceless" are selling out?
The article, and most articles, never really cover the commercial viability of these stations. It costs money to run a station, commercial or non-commercial. If urban radio on 97.7 were commercially viable, why did Radio One bail? And if it was due to greed, where's the outrage that the minority broadcasters with the ability to broadcast to the "voiceless" are selling out?
WLYNgm said:
I don't follow you. What exactly is so irresponsible about the article?
That it's trying to plug unlicensed, illegal radio?
raccoonradio said:
How, exactly?
I have read the article twice..... and all I see are facts stated. I'm not saying I support pirate radio, but just because Mr. WLYNGM disagrees with the FACTS (and why wouldn't he be opposed to pirates--- after all, they are probably cutting into his bottom line), I don't see why they can not be stated in print, in a newspaper that owns a radio station in the Boston market.
Last I checked, we have a democracy and free speech here... not communism.
It mentions that the dial in Boston is crowded with the legit commercial, college, and public stations. Add the "unlicensed" to it and you have chaos. There are only so many frequencies. Of course any LPFM legislation is sure to please some, but there are only a few--maybe none--spots left on the dial in big cities, whereas if you're up in the boonies there are plenty.
Yes, these 'voices' want to get on the air but with only certain frequencies left there are few
opportunities, and I get that. Sadly not everyone can get their own station (esp. with the cost of
licenses, facilities) etc. Commercial, college, and public radio can let some of these folks on.
Of course the WRKOs and WEEIs want to make money. Public stations like GBH and BUR might be able to serve the community with talk shows or specialty music programs from the community, etc. but they also want to run their NPR news and talk. College stations may have some slots--especially during the summer of course, but there are only so many slots. But not everyone can be satisfied. Thus they go the pirate route and crowd
the dial even further.
If only there were, say, an expanded band AM station set up that would be funded by private
contributions, donorships/advertising, etc. Then all these folks could take turns and do shows
rather than having a whole station. Haitian music, community affairs, R&B, ethnic shows, talk
serving various communities. All on one station, sharing it. Perhaps paying a small fee to be on
(brokered)--or asking for donations (note I don't include taxpayer funding). A radio station
that could be the equivalent of public access cable--the folks who put on the umpteenth airing of the Holiday Parade or Thanksgiving high school football game; "Senior Focus"; high school plays,
specialty music etc.
That prob. wouldn't happen (though aren't there some community FMs like up in Portsmouth NH?)
so you do have opportunities on legit radio. Not many, but some.
Example of a community radio station
http://portsmouthcommunityradio.org/
A perusal of their lineup page (a .pdf file) includes such things as talk shows for women, gays,
politics, etc.; music including blues, jazz, country, underground rock, etc
They are, as far as I can tell, legit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WSCA
>>WSCA-LP (106.1 FM) is a radio station The mission of Portsmouth Community Radio is to operate a nonprofit, listener supported, volunteer driven, non-commercial FM community radio station dedicated to serving the greater Portsmouth community...The station is currently owned by Seacoasts Arts And Cultural Alliance
So there is a station serving the community.
And they have an LPFM license. Not a pirate.
Then there are the other types of legit stations, like the college one I work for, WMWM. We have
shows where we play local music and do things like interview political candidates. We offer
ethnic programming. And we are licensed.
Yes, these 'voices' want to get on the air but with only certain frequencies left there are few
opportunities, and I get that. Sadly not everyone can get their own station (esp. with the cost of
licenses, facilities) etc. Commercial, college, and public radio can let some of these folks on.
Of course the WRKOs and WEEIs want to make money. Public stations like GBH and BUR might be able to serve the community with talk shows or specialty music programs from the community, etc. but they also want to run their NPR news and talk. College stations may have some slots--especially during the summer of course, but there are only so many slots. But not everyone can be satisfied. Thus they go the pirate route and crowd
the dial even further.
If only there were, say, an expanded band AM station set up that would be funded by private
contributions, donorships/advertising, etc. Then all these folks could take turns and do shows
rather than having a whole station. Haitian music, community affairs, R&B, ethnic shows, talk
serving various communities. All on one station, sharing it. Perhaps paying a small fee to be on
(brokered)--or asking for donations (note I don't include taxpayer funding). A radio station
that could be the equivalent of public access cable--the folks who put on the umpteenth airing of the Holiday Parade or Thanksgiving high school football game; "Senior Focus"; high school plays,
specialty music etc.
That prob. wouldn't happen (though aren't there some community FMs like up in Portsmouth NH?)
so you do have opportunities on legit radio. Not many, but some.
Example of a community radio station
http://portsmouthcommunityradio.org/
A perusal of their lineup page (a .pdf file) includes such things as talk shows for women, gays,
politics, etc.; music including blues, jazz, country, underground rock, etc
They are, as far as I can tell, legit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WSCA
>>WSCA-LP (106.1 FM) is a radio station The mission of Portsmouth Community Radio is to operate a nonprofit, listener supported, volunteer driven, non-commercial FM community radio station dedicated to serving the greater Portsmouth community...The station is currently owned by Seacoasts Arts And Cultural Alliance
So there is a station serving the community.
And they have an LPFM license. Not a pirate.
Then there are the other types of legit stations, like the college one I work for, WMWM. We have
shows where we play local music and do things like interview political candidates. We offer
ethnic programming. And we are licensed.
raccoonradio said:
Again, this is a FACT. "The dial in Boston is crowded with the legit commercial, college, and public stations." In what way is that "plugging" pirate radio? In what way is that statement untrue?
I reiterate, I do not endorse or support these pirates. However... they DO exist... obviously this isn't going to change overnight, they are not "going away" any time soon. Does the Phoenix feel in any way threatened by them? Probably not, because they gave them a 5-page spread (online anyway, haven't seen the physical copy yet).
To me, this is just journalism--- nothing more, no "hidden agenda" behind it whatsoever.
Saying that this article is "plugging" pirate radio, would be the same as saying an article in the Herald or Globe is "plugging" the MBTA driver selling crack out of her bus, or that they are "plugging" Charlie Sheen on stage under the influence of aforementioned substance, when his tour hits Boston on Tuesday. It is news, and they are reporting the news. When it comes to demographics--- is pirate radio a news item that might interest regular readers of The Phoenix? I think so.
A
ArtSpooner
Guest
Pretty good description, but which is which?WNTIRadio said:
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