FCC Cracks Down on Pirate Radio Broadcasts in New York

Enforcement Bureau warns property owners to stop unauthorized transmissions

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:00am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of radio transmission towers and antennas, with neon cyan and magenta lights pulsing through the hardware, conceptually representing the unseen infrastructure of the radio spectrum and the FCC's efforts to regulate unauthorized use of the airwaves.The FCC's crackdown on pirate radio broadcasts in New York aims to protect the integrity of the licensed airwaves.NYC Today

The FCC Enforcement Bureau has issued warnings to several property owners in New York about pirate radio broadcasts originating from their properties. The agency is cracking down on these unauthorized transmissions, which violate federal regulations.

Why it matters

Pirate radio stations operate outside the FCC's licensing system, potentially interfering with authorized broadcasts and posing risks to public safety. The FCC is taking a firm stance to enforce regulations and protect the integrity of the airwaves.

The details

According to FCC notices, the agency's New York field office sent warnings to property owners David Duchatellier, Thomas Chavannes, and Beverley Dixon-Chavannes about pirate radio broadcasts emanating from their properties. The FCC is demanding the property owners take immediate action to stop the unauthorized transmissions.

  • The FCC Enforcement Bureau issued the warnings on Friday, April 13, 2026.

The players

FCC Enforcement Bureau

The enforcement division of the Federal Communications Commission responsible for investigating and addressing violations of federal communications laws and regulations.

David Duchatellier

A New York property owner who received a warning from the FCC about pirate radio broadcasts originating from his property.

Thomas Chavannes

A New York property owner who received a warning from the FCC about pirate radio broadcasts originating from his property.

Beverley Dixon-Chavannes

A New York property owner who received a warning from the FCC about pirate radio broadcasts originating from her property.

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What’s next

The FCC has ordered the property owners to take immediate action to stop the unauthorized broadcasts and warned that failure to comply could result in further enforcement action, including fines or seizure of equipment.

The takeaway

This crackdown on pirate radio operations in New York underscores the FCC's commitment to maintaining control over the airwaves and protecting the integrity of the licensed broadcast system. Property owners who allow unlicensed transmissions face serious consequences.