Review: Pirate Radio Operations

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Pirate Radio Operations
by Andrew Yoder

Publisher: Loompanics Unlimited
ISBN: 1559501510

Author Andrew Yoder has been around the pirate radio block more than just about anyone. He's not only written extensively on the subject (including multiple books and regular magazine columns), but he's also walked the walk, broadcasting his own pirate programs until an unfortunate run-in with the feds. Pirate Radio Operations is a culmination of the hard-won knowledge Yoder has accumulated.

The book begins with a general description of just what pirate radio is, why pirates take to the air and what problems they face not just setting up shop, but staying there. Spliced in throughout are real-world examples of stations and how they tackled specific problems. There's rudimentary discussions on outfitting a pirate studio, program production, transmitter and antenna types, but Yoder repeatedly urges the reader to consult other material for technical information.

The real meat begins with chapter 7, "Operations," and continues through the rest of the book - here you'll find the most helpful tips on how to get on the air without being noticed and something much more difficult - how to stay hassle-free from the FCC. If you're unlucky enough to get caught, Yoder walks the reader through what a typical visit from the Radio Cops would be like, how they act and what you should say and do.

It's too bad, though, that it takes until chapter 7 (of 11 total) to get into the good stuff. Also beware that the focus here is on short-wave broadcasting and the book's full of terminology and equipment references a hardcore short-wave enthusiast would know but a beginner might be lost trying to follow. The writing style is simplistic, too - sometimes too much so.

But all in all, the strategies Yoder details work across the spectrum and are well worth knowing. It could save you from costly pitfalls down the road, both economically and legally.