Pirate Cat Radio (87.9 FM) is a low-power community

radio station Radio broadcasting is the broadcasting of audio (sound), sometimes with related metadata, by radio waves to radio receivers belonging to a public audience. In terrestrial radio broadcasting the radio waves are broadcast by a land-based rad ...

that originally operated in the

San Francisco Bay Area The San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, is a List of regions of California, region of California surrounding and including San Francisco Bay, and anchored by the cities of Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose, California, S ...

and has since returned to

Los Gatos, California Los Gatos (; ; ) is an List of municipalities in California, incorporated town in Santa Clara County, California, United States. The population is 33,529 according to the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. It is located in the San Franc ...

, and

Santa Cruz, California Santa Cruz (Spanish language, Spanish for "Holy Cross") is the largest city and the county seat of Santa Cruz County, California, Santa Cruz County, in Northern California. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the city population ...

, with

FCC The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, internet, wi-fi, satellite, and cable across the United States. The FCC maintains ju ...

approval. The station, founded by Daniel Roberts, originally broadcast from Roberts' bedroom in

Los Gatos Los Gatos (; ; ) is an incorporated town in Santa Clara County, California, United States. The population is 33,529 according to the 2020 census. It is located in the San Francisco Bay Area just southwest of San Jose in the foothills of t ...

without a license and became a cultural touchstone for pirate radio in the Bay Area. In 2024, Pirate Cat Radio relaunched as an

-approved

low-power FM Low-power broadcasting is broadcasting by a broadcast station at a low transmitter power output to a smaller service area than "full power" stations within the same region. It is often distinguished from "micropower broadcasting" (more commonl ...

(LPFM) station, marking a new chapter in its history after more than a decade of dormancy.

History

Early Years and Unlicensed Broadcasting

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. Despite numerous warnings and fines from the FCC, Roberts continued to operate the station, citing a loophole in wartime broadcasting regulations.

Legal Challenges and Closure

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. The physical station in the Mission District of

San Francisco San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a commercial, Financial District, San Francisco, financial, and Culture of San Francisco, cultural center of Northern California. With a population of 827,526 residents as of ...

also closed, marking the end of an era for Pirate Cat Radio.

Revival in 2024

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. 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.

Impact and Legacy

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. The station now operates with a commitment to preserving its legacy while embracing modern broadcasting technology to reach a new generation of listeners.

References

{{reflist

External links

Pirate Cat Radio Official Website
Community radio stations in the United States Pirate radio stations in the United States Radio stations in the San Francisco Bay Area Radio stations established in 2001 Radio stations disestablished in 2011 Defunct radio stations in the United States