Pirates, in Canada? Don’ cha know…
It’s good to know that the US of A isn’t the only folks that deal with pirate radio stations. It seems Canada has their share as well.
Introducing 14 year old Jayhaed Saadé of Ottawa. Claiming he didn’t know he needed a license, he set up his station which reportedly can be heard some 20km away, and is also reportedly interfering with CBC radio (which, by the way, is legal.) However, for someone who didn’t know about the rules and regulations of radio, he sure knows how to set up a station:
Saadé said he’s wanted to run a radio station since he was a small child, so he set one up using equipment he ordered on the internet, including a sound processor to improve the clarity and a radio data system that displays the name of the song that’s playing. He even mounted an antenna on the roof. (Full story here)
Didn’t know about licensing, but he knew about setting up an RDS? Watch the video too, his dad appears to think he’s done nothing wrong.
Listen folks, I’m all about corporate radio not listening to the listeners. I’m also all about the low power broadcast movement to get more local radio stations on the air. But, if you’re going to be a pirate, don’t be stupid about it and interfere with a licensed outlet. Whether it’s in Canada or the United States, chances are pretty good that “the man” is going to catch up with you sooner or later.
As for Jayhaed, a word of advice: if Industry Canada (the Canadian equivalent of the Federal Communications Commission here in the USA) wants you off the air – you will be off the air. All that gear that you’ve invested your inheritance in will be gone and while Industry Canada may seem like the bad guy, they’re following the rules – also known as the law. It might benefit you and your license application to sign off for now, until the IC comes back with their decision as to whether or not you’ll get your license. Good luck to you kid – just don’t get too smug.
