The FCC has submitted its annual report to Congress on the enforcement of the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement (PIRATE) Act. The report highlights a record-setting year with increased fines and nationwide efforts to combat pirate radio. The maximum penalty under the PIRATE Act was adjusted for inflation to $2,391,097 in 2024. The FCC’s pirate radio station database, launched in January 2023, has been regularly updated. Ongoing efforts include the purchase of six vehicles equipped with specialized hardware and software to detect pirate radio operators. In 2023, the FCC proposed fines against three operators, emphasizing enforcement against property owners who allow pirate radio stations. The PIRATE Act, enacted in 2020, expanded the FCC’s jurisdiction and enforcement capabilities against unlicensed radio operations, with a focus on concentrated sweeps and targeting landlords facilitating illegal broadcasts. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel reinforced PIRATE Act enforcement with an additional $5 million from the increased fiscal year budget.