Media watchdog prosecutes Victorian man over pirate Aussie classic rock radio station

An investigation by the media watchdog the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has seen a Victorian man prosecuted for running a pirate radio station.

The man is understood to have been broadcasting Australian classic rock music over the 101.3FM frequency in the Portland area of Victoria, and has been fined and ordered to forfeit his radio equipment.

He pleaded guilty to one count of unlicensed operation and four counts of unlawful possession of radio communications devices under the Radio Communications Act 1992. He was convicted at the Portland Magistrates’ Court last month. 

“This conviction is a good outcome for the community,” said Chris Chapman ACMA Chairman.

“The emission of powerful radio signals in the FM or any other critical radio band without the appropriate licence risks interference to legitimate radio services and their listeners and rips off everyone who has obtained legal access to the radio waves.

‘The conviction reinforces the fact that disregard for radio communications licensing arrangements can have serious consequences—and should have a strong deterrent effect for anyone thinking of operating a pirate transmitter,’ he said.

The prosecution is the second such conviction of an individual over illegal pirate broadcasts this year. Earlier this year ACMA investigated a man over the unauthorised use of a CB radio.

Nic Christensen 

Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2016, in roles including deputy editor and media & technology editor. He is former media writer for The Australian and has also worked as a reporter for The Daily Telegraph and senior producer for Radio 2GB.

topics ACMA Chris Chapman

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Comments: 5

DTM 16 Jul 15

So he was thrown in jail and fined right?

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Queenslander 16 Jul 15

Have you heard the radio in Portland, Vic?

Two sets of commercial radio signals from ACE Radio, not exactly stimulating radio. Most of it voice tracked (not live) and often produced from markets away from the Portland area.

ABC originating from regions away unless you can receive the Warrnambool ABC breakfast show.

No wonder he pirates!

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BrisnEyland 16 Jul 15

Storms and teacups yeah?

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offal spokesperson 16 Jul 15

shhhh… no one mention the interwebs

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Moneyman 17 Jul 15

You’re saying they have the interwebs in Portland now?

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