Unlicensed radio broadcasters face steeper fines from the FCC thanks to the Congressionally passed PIRATE Act and that’s empowered the Commission to go after broadcast buccaneers with more firepower. On Friday, Enforcement Bureau Region One Regional Director David Dombrowski did just that, issuing a warning letter to a Hartford pirate radio operation’s alleged landlord.
The action was made as the individual likely associated with the unlicensed operation ignored a forfeiture notice handed to him at the start of 2025.
The “Notice of Illegal Pirate Radio Broadcasting” was sent to the owner of a commercial multi-story building at 30 Arbor Street in Hartford, based on the presence of an unlicensed radio station using 94.5 MHz without FCC authorization.
While the landlord may only be learning of the elicit activity now, the PIRATE Act allows the Commission to go after property owners of residences or commercial establishments where a pirate radio signal may be traced to.
The name of the alleged offender was not listed in the notice. However, the individual behind “La Tropica Radio” suggests that Wilfredo Ayala is likely involved; his operation purports to be “a broadcaster in Connecticut.” However, there are only three FM translators at 94.5 MHz in Connecticut, and none are associated with Ayala. In fact, the only station allowed on that frequency near Hartford is WERB-FM, a 24-watt Class D facility operated by Berlin High School from Berlin, Conn. — immediately south of Hartford.
On January 8, a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture was released, fining Ayala $60,000 for his broadcasts of “La Tropica” on 94.5 MHz on three days in Spring 2024, as determined by Enforcement Bureau agents from both the New York and Boston field offices.
The property management company has 10 business days from April 25 to respond to the Commission.
