How Pirates on a Ship Once Hijacked the NYC Radio Airwaves

In the summer of 1987, a group of pirates aboard a ship three miles off the coast of Long Island infiltrated the New York City radio airwaves. They hijacked the frequencies in the name of free speech and better music, they said. In 1980s New York City, this might seem like a minor infraction, but their actions were highly illegal. “New York Gritty” host Sal Bono introduces you to the mastermind behind it all and the story of how they fought the law, but the law won.

[kev-larscuba]

I listened to you guys religiously back in the day and even had a support pirate radio banner flag in my room for about five years lol never knew who you guys were precisely until I was much older. but I definitely spent many an hour jamming to your commentary and fresh music thank you From the bottom of my heart 🙏

[Chris]

I miss offshore radio. Those people went out of their way to be legal & still the authorities clamp down & made new laws against them.

[uniquelypositive]

THAT is the American spirit that made America great.

[JCJeffrey]

Best part is seeing how much his wife still loves him! ❤️

[arfriedman]

I remember when this radio was in operation. I didn't know the call station. I'm not sure if it reached Staten Island NY.

These people were bold in what they did. I'm glad he finally has a radio license.

[LadyAdakStillStands]

There is so much social history not taught in school as "inconsequential" when in truth, it changed our world for the betterment of mankind.

[TrueCrimeQueen]

This is so fascinating!! Never knew this. Be safe everyone!!

[laurencaulton]

Back when radio mattered! There was a Brit one too, years earlier. There's a movie with Bill Nighy.

[marycauffield]

in a free country that will pull out all stops if you go against your imaginary freedom . control has always been their motto.

[stargazr]

I remember this!! I was juz 16 and my friendz and I used to talk about it like we wanted to go work at the pirate station!!! 💜

[hunter-wssx]

Allan Weiner runs a radio station on shortwave radio! WBCQ, please everyone buy a shortwave radio, keep the hobby alive

[lizarddude]

How have I never heard of this? This is awesome!

[brickman]

Wow, this needs to be made in to a movie

[Bellaross]

Hey I’m from Honduras this is awesome 😎

[comfortablynumb]

I'm so glad he ended up with a legal station!

[vitomcsween]

Here's to making a movie out of this story

[KnightGlint]

In 1982 it was decided by UN law that international waters begins at 12 miles off a country's coast. So technically these guys were still in American waters if they were 3 or 4 miles off. I wonder if they had a AM or FM station 13miles off.

[earthlingwithnoideas]

7:41 As a movie studio fan, I appreciate this.

[El-vhjj]

Thanks for using Honduras my country for your fight against Corporate.

[MatsuoDes]

Imagine getting a restraining order from the US Government, sounds like some feelings got hurt