U.S. Regulatory Body Suggests Penalties against Two Illicit Radio Broadcasters in New England
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking action against operators of unlicensed radio stations in Southern New England, following enforcement sweeps under the PIRATE Act last September.
In Providence, Rhode Island, the operators of "Radio Evangelique de la Grace" are facing a proposed fine of $20,000 for operating an unlicensed station on 97.1 FM. According to the FCC, the station was warned to cease operations after it was discovered that they were unlicensed. The Enforcement Bureau determined that the base forfeiture amount was not subject to downward adjustment.
In Worcester, Massachusetts, Noah Opoku Gyamfi is proposed to pay a penalty of $25,000 for operating "Unity Radio" on 103.9 FM. The FCC traced the source of the signal to a commercial building on Fremont Street in Worcester. Agents found social media platforms that identified Gyamfi as the CEO of Unity Radio.
In both cases, the operators have 30 days to either pay the forfeitures in full or respond to the notices of apparent liability in writing.
Pamphile, who is listed as president, and Mondestin, as vice president, in the Rhode Island Department of State Corporate database for Radio Evangelique de la Grace, admitted to being the station's operator after an agent left him a voicemail. Mondestin also called the agent, claiming to be on the station's company board, and provided a business identification number.
Gyamfi, on the other hand, claimed to have spoken with the FCC previously and that they had given him permission to operate the station. However, the FCC has no record of such permission being granted.
These proposed penalties are part of the commission's enforcement under the PIRATE Act, which aims to deter unauthorized broadcasting in the region. It's worth noting that the commission noted Gyamfi's history of unlicensed operation, which predates the 2020 PIRATE Act's passage.
The FCC continues to enforce these actions, demonstrating ongoing regulatory efforts to maintain order in the radio broadcasting industry. The status of these proposed penalties has not yet been reported as withdrawn or settled.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is also investigating Pamphile and Mondestin, the president and vice president of Radio Evangelique de la Grace, respectively, for their involvement in operating an unlicensed radio station in Providence, Rhode Island.
- In the media industry, the enforcement of the PIRATE Act by the FCC is aimed at not only combating unauthorized broadcasting but also ensuring compliance with regulations in the banking-and-insurance sector, as seen in the case of Noah Opoku Gyamfi who claimed to have received permission for his radio station's operation.
- The proposed penalty of $25,000 for Gyamfi's unlicensed radio station, Unity Radio, also serves as a warning for others in the radio industry, highlighting the potential financial consequences of operating without proper licensing.
- The recent actions by the FCC to fine unlicensed radio stations emphasize the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements in the radio, media, banking-and-insurance, and finance industries, as well as the commission's commitment to upholding the integrity of these sectors.
