Pirate Cat Radio
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (February 2021) |
| Broadcast area | San Francisco Bay Area |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 92.9 MHz |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Format | Eclectic |
| Ownership | |
| Owner |
|
| KMRT-LP | |
| History | |
First air date | 2001 (original launch); August 2024 (relaunch with FCC approval) |
Last air date | February 20, 2011 (original station) |
Former frequencies | 87.9 MHz |
Call sign meaning | K - Pirate Cat Radio |
| Technical information | |
| Facility ID | 195593 |
| Class | LPFM |
| Power | 100 watts |
| Links | |
| Website | piratecatradio.com |
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Pirate Cat Radio (87.9 FM) is a low-power community radio station that originally operated in the San Francisco Bay Area and has since returned to Los Gatos, California, and Santa Cruz, California, with FCC approval.[1][2][3]
The station, founded by Daniel Roberts, originally broadcast from Roberts' bedroom in Los Gatos without a license and became a cultural touchstone for pirate radio in the Bay Area.[2] In 2024, Pirate Cat Radio relaunched as an FCC-approved low-power FM (LPFM) station, marking a new chapter in its history after more than a decade of dormancy.[3]
History
[edit]Early Years and Unlicensed Broadcasting
[edit]Pirate Cat Radio began in 2001 as an unlicensed community station in Los Gatos, broadcasting an eclectic mix of music, talk shows, and cultural programming. The station was part of a broader trend of pirate radio in the Bay Area, known for challenging traditional media boundaries and giving voice to underrepresented communities.[4] Despite numerous warnings and fines from the FCC, Roberts continued to operate the station, citing a loophole in wartime broadcasting regulations.[5]
Legal Challenges and Closure
[edit]In 2009, the FCC fined Roberts $10,000 for broadcasting without a license, and in 2011, the station ceased operations amid financial and legal disputes.[6] The physical station in the Mission District of San Francisco also closed, marking the end of an era for Pirate Cat Radio.
Revival in 2024
[edit]In August 2024, Pirate Cat Radio made a highly anticipated return, this time with FCC approval and a focus on its roots in Los Gatos and Santa Cruz. According to Roberts, the station aims to blend its rebellious spirit with community-oriented programming, leveraging its legal status to build new partnerships and reach a broader audience.[1][2]
The relaunch includes upgraded facilities and programming that reflects the station's original eclectic ethos. Roberts noted that this revival is part of a broader effort to support community media and provide a platform for diverse voices.[3]
Impact and Legacy
[edit]Pirate Cat Radio's story has been chronicled as a significant chapter in the history of community radio. The station's blend of innovation and defiance has inspired other independent broadcasters, and its return is seen as a victory for local, independent media.[3]
The station now operates with a commitment to preserving its legacy while embracing modern broadcasting technology to reach a new generation of listeners.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Los Gatan Staff (2024-08-04). "A Pirate Radio Story". Los Gatan. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ a b c Mercury News Staff (2024-08-04). "Pirate Cat Radio Returns to Los Gatos, This Time with FCC Approval". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ a b c d Good Times Staff (2024-08-04). "The Return of Pirate Cat Radio". Good Times. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ Sullivan, James (October 21, 2003). "The Bay Area is the capital of pirate radio stations". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2009-01-22.
- ^ Kava, Brad (January 7, 2007). "Daniel Roberts won't stop making pirate radio broadcasts. The FCC won't stop telling him to stop". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved 2009-01-22.
- ^ Harrell, Ashley (May 26, 2010). "The Radio Pirate Goes Legit". San Francisco Weekly. Retrieved 2010-05-26.