Worcester News

F.C.C. hits pirate radio station in Worcester with $25K fine

  • Posted by Worcester News Mon at 7:17 AM - Filed in News - #Worcester  #radio  #F.C.C.  #Unity Radio  #WUTY-FM  - 5,777 views


    45 Fremont Street in Worcester Google

    WORCESTER — The Federal Communications Commission recently proposed a $25,000 fine against Noah Opoku Gyamfi for allegedly operating an unlicensed radio station on 103.9 FM in Worcester under the name “Unity Radio.”

    F.C.C. field agents said they traced transmissions during a 2024 enforcement sweep to a commercial building at 60 Fremont St. and matched the over-the-air programming to an online stream promoting itself as “Unity Radio.”

    During an on-site inspection, a man identifying himself as “Frank” and “Opo National” allowed agents into the facility and powered down the transmitter at their request; investigators linked the alias to Gyamfi and to the station’s listed contact number, according to the notice dated August 7th. 

    Regulators said Gyamfi had been warned in 2019 after agents found an over-limit signal on the same frequency at 45 Fremont St., but unauthorized operations allegedly continued, contributing to the penalty amount.

    The pirate operation is not affiliated with Unity Radio, WUTY-FM 97.9, a licensed Worcester station that has been broadcasting since 2017.

    The agency said pirate broadcasts can interfere with licensed stations and public-safety communications, including Emergency Alert System messages. Under the PIRATE Act, maximum penalties can reach $2,453,218 in total for violations.

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