NEWS
Report No. CI 98-11            COMPLIANCE & INFO ACTION                 July 7, 1998    
     
HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY PIRATE RADIO OPERATOR ENJOINED 
F                    ROM OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENSE

     The Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") announced today that a U.S.
District Court in New Jersey has granted the United States' motion to enjoin a pirate radio
broadcaster, Salvatore DeRogatis, from continuing to operate an unlicensed FM radio
broadcast station in the Township of Howell, New Jersey.  

     In September 1997 the FCC seized equipment being used by Mr. DeRogatis to operate
the unlicensed station.  Mr. DeRogatis continued to operate the station which broadcast on
104.7 MHz, and identified itself as "Oldies 104.7" and "WFHR."  On June 30, 1998, District
Judge Katharine S. Hayden issued a Letter-Opinion and an Order finding that the
government's "unopposed arguments" were "persuasive" and that it was entitled to judgment
as a matter of law.  The Court ruled that Mr. DeRogatis is enjoined "from making radio
transmissions within the United States unless and until he first obtains a license from the
FCC."

     The Court noted that although originally five claimants sought return of some or all
radio equipment which had been confiscated by the government, only two had submitted
responses to the government's motion.  One later withdrew the request and the other entered
into an agreement with the government.
     
     Broadcast stations that transmit on a frequency in the FM band must be licensed by
the FCC.  Unlicensed or unauthorized operation of a radio transmitter or station is a violation
of Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C.  301.  In 
general, unlicensed radio transmissions create a danger of interference to important authorized
radio communications services, such as licensed broadcasting stations, and aircraft tower to
airplane communications.   

     The equipment used in illegal operations is usually of unknown technical quality and
its operation causes interference to the reception of authorized services.  In extreme cases,
illegal broadcast stations have the potential to interfere with vital aircraft, police and fire
communications in a manner that may endanger the safety of life.  




     The Communications Act gives the FCC authority to impose sanctions on unlicensed
broadcasters, including civil monetary forfeitures, court injunctions, and seizures of the radio
equipment.  Violators are subject to penalties of up to $11,000 and/or seizure and forfeiture of
all radio equipment involved by court order.  Unlicensed operators are also subject to criminal
fines imposed by the Justice Department of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one
year, or both, for a first-time offense.

     The FCC, therefore, continues to advise all remaining illegal, unlicensed stations
located across the country, who continue to operate without a license, to voluntarily cease
their illegal broadcasting operations to avoid seizure and/or fines.  

 - FCC -
                                    
Media Contact: David Fiske (202) 418-0500
Compliance and Information Bureau Contact: Pamera Hairston (202) 418-1160