Pirate radio broadcasting: some technical comments on a current case in point

Ernest K. Smith

Abstract: M. F. broadcasting from. so-called "pirate" radio stations has plagued many of the advanced countries of the world. With the final disposition of the WXUR case in June 1973, Dr. Carl McIntire appears to be making good his proposal to resume broadcasting off the coast of New Jersey beyond the three mile limits. This report is in response to a request by D. D. Crombie to dig up the facts regarding the case and to estimate the technical consequences. While trying to lim.it the judgements expressed in this report to the technical consequence, background material is included in the socio-legal area in the hopes that it may prove useful to anyone who may wish to pursue the matter further.

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

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