RADIO SILENCE
Police shut down ‘After Dark’ pirate rave music station
The team behind an alleged pirate radio station in Sunderland say they are pressing ahead with plans to get a broadcasting licence.
Northumbria Police, working with Ofcom, executed a warrant at a house in Halstead Square, Pallion, last week.
A 34-year-old man is being dealt with by Ofcom for suspected offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.
Police say the station – After Dark FM – is thought to have been used as a source of information for teenagers to organise raves, which were stopped by officers, and gatherings which have led to complaints of anti-social behaviour and disorder.
Sergeant Patrick Scott said: “This was an excellent example of partnership working with Ofcom and the local community.
“We will continue to try to safeguard young people in our area and prevent any disorder which has an adverse effect on local residents.
“My message to the public is clear; it is illegal to operate an unlicensed radio station or use any equipment that may cause interference or have the potential to disment rupt the communications of critical services, and we will actively pursue offenders thought to be contravening such laws.”
An Ofcom spokesman said there were ways for smaller stations to run legal radio broadcasts without breaking the law: “Thanks to new technology, we can now offer smaller stations a safe, legal route to air through community radio – without interfering with others who rely on using the airwaves.”
The radio station’s Facebook page contains a state- thanking listeners for their support and urging them to sign an online petition to Ofcom.
“Due to certain people wanting to spoil things for the community rather than help it, we have had to temporarily go off air,” it says.
“Our licence application is in with Ofcom but whilst this was going ahead we have been reported and complained about by certain persons.
“And out of these peoples’ selfishness ... we cannot broadcast until Ofcom approves the licence.”
The petition can be found at https://www.change. org/p/ofcom-help-securethe-community-radio-licence-of-afterdarkfm.
Peterlee firm Start Energy has sponsored the station during its licence application.
A company spokesman confirmed it would continue to do so: “They have done everything that Ofcom has asked, and we have been paying the fees for them.
“The petition has around 8,0000 signatures to get them back on the air.”
“This was an excellent example of partnership working” SGT PATRICK SCOTT