Radio, Someone Still Loves You

Dean Nicholas
By Dean Nicholas Last edited 180 months ago
Radio, Someone Still Loves You

0303_antenna.jpg
Image by Mike Webkist
Old media may be on the wane, but pirate radio is booming, at least judging by the number of operations busted by the old bill. Nationwide, the number of stations raided was up to 881 in 2008, an increase of nearly 200 year-on-year, and a warning for any wannabe pirate Tony Blackbeard Blackburn out there: the cops boast of a 100% conviction record.

The majority of stations are based right here in London, with our constellation of skyscraping council towers offering a perfect spot to fix up the necessary antennae and equipment. Though often hailed publicly as the embodiment of independent, can-do spirit, Ofcom allege that pirate radio signals can interfere with emergency service radio equipment, and a member of London and Quadrant Housing Trust said that those involved commit criminal damage on council buildings. One BBC expert even makes the spurious claim that stations play songs whose lyrics "may provide codes for drug deals". Didn't they make a similar accusation when they used to dub Gerry Adams' voice on TV broadcasts?

Though the methods may be illegal, isn't there something admirable about our oft-loathed youth doing something more than manning up with gangs and knives for early-morning skirmishes? Or is that just the typical liberal response by somone who hasn't yet been introduced to the banshee howls of MC Murderdeath as his radio dial tumbles onto an unknown frequency while tuning in to Classic FM.

Last Updated 03 March 2009