FCC Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov
DOJ Media Contact: 
Christina DiIorio-Sterling, (617) 748-3356
usama.media@usdoj.gov
For Immediate Release
RADIO EQUIPMENT SEIZED FROM TWO ILLEGAL RADIO 
STATIONS IN BOSTON
  -- 
BOSTON, March 28, 2018—Radio transmission equipment from two radio stations that were 
operating illegally in Boston was seized on Monday, March 26th.   
According to court documents unsealed today, “Big City,” which broadcasted at times on 100.3 
FM, 105.3 FM, and 101.3 FM, from Dorchester, with a studio in Roxbury, and “B87.7 FM,” 
which operated on 87.7 FM from Dorchester, were operating without a license from the 
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC issued multiple warnings to the illegal 
operators, but the radio stations continued to broadcast. Pursuant to federal forfeiture actions, 
authorities seized equipment operated by each radio station at that station’s antenna location on 
Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester. The forfeiture actions were brought after the FCC received 
complaints, including a complaint from a licensed broadcaster about interference with its radio 
signal.
“When pirate radio stations refuse to cease operations, despite multiple warnings, action must 
be taken,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “It is a public safety hazard for 
illegal radio stations to broadcast, potentially interfering with critical radio communications. 
We will work in conjunction with the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to identify violators of 
federal communications law.”
“Pirate radio stations are operating without an FCC license – and therefore breaking the law, as 
well as interfering with licensed broadcasters and potentially preventing those broadcasters 
from delivering critical public-safety information to listeners,” said Rosemary Harold, Chief of 
the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau.  “We are pursuing multiple legal routes to stop pirate 
broadcasters; the seizure action in Boston is just one of them.  We thank our partners in the 
Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service, and we’re particularly 
thankful for the great work of FCC Field agents in combatting this problem.” 
The Communications Act of 1934 prohibits the operation of radio broadcasting equipment 
above certain low-intensity thresholds without a license issued by the FCC. The Act authorizes 
the seizure and forfeiture of any electronic or radio frequency equipment used to broadcast 
without an FCC license. The number of available radio frequencies is limited, and unlicensed 
broadcasting can interfere with the broadcasting of legitimate licensed radio stations, 
potentially causing chaos in the radio spectrum.
U.S. Attorney Lelling and FCC Enforcement Chief Harold made the announcement today. The 
U.S. Marshals Service and Boston Police Department provided assistance with the seizure 
operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Lazarus, Chief of Lelling’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, 
is handling the matter.  
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/media-relations  
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order 
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).