Micropower radio
Encyclopedia
Micropower radio is a subset of pirate radio
concerned with low-power radio
broadcasting
, usually less than about 100 watt
s radiated power
and sometimes less than 0.1 watt. Micropower radio transmits to a number of recipients ("listeners" or "viewers") that belong to a small local group. Beginning in the early 1990s, there has been an increase in micropower radio because of the desire for such a service in local communities. Micropower radio gives an avenue for small groups and individuals to provide local neighborhood or community broadcasts of information, diverse programming, and entertainment. Micropower radio is usually a non-commercial service.
The Microradio Movement in the United States aims to change radio licencing laws. While never his intent to found a movement, Mbanna Kantako
, founder of the Human Rights Radio Network, is often referred to as the founder or grandfather of the Microradio Movement.
In the US, the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) requires AM/FM radio
and TV
stations without a Low Power FM (LPFM) license to transmit with at least 6000 Watts of power. The FCC is not currently offering any LPFM licenses. This makes the cost of setting up a radio station prohibitive for individuals and small communities.
Pirate radio
Pirate radio is illegal or unregulated radio transmission. The term is most commonly used to describe illegal broadcasting for entertainment or political purposes, but is also sometimes used for illegal two-way radio operation...
concerned with low-power radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
broadcasting
Broadcasting
Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed audience via any audio visual medium. Receiving parties may include the general public or a relatively large subset of thereof...
, usually less than about 100 watt
Watt
The watt is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units , named after the Scottish engineer James Watt . The unit, defined as one joule per second, measures the rate of energy conversion.-Definition:...
s radiated power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
and sometimes less than 0.1 watt. Micropower radio transmits to a number of recipients ("listeners" or "viewers") that belong to a small local group. Beginning in the early 1990s, there has been an increase in micropower radio because of the desire for such a service in local communities. Micropower radio gives an avenue for small groups and individuals to provide local neighborhood or community broadcasts of information, diverse programming, and entertainment. Micropower radio is usually a non-commercial service.
The Microradio Movement in the United States aims to change radio licencing laws. While never his intent to found a movement, Mbanna Kantako
Mbanna Kantako
Mbanna Kantako is a 50 year old blind African freedom fighter who is active in the Low-power broadcasting in the United States of America...
, founder of the Human Rights Radio Network, is often referred to as the founder or grandfather of the Microradio Movement.
In the US, the Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
(FCC) requires AM/FM radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
and TV
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
stations without a Low Power FM (LPFM) license to transmit with at least 6000 Watts of power. The FCC is not currently offering any LPFM licenses. This makes the cost of setting up a radio station prohibitive for individuals and small communities.
External links
/* Microradio.org Now a spam site with no content */- Microradio.org Via internet archive, accessed December 28, 2005
- Seizing the airwaves
- Mediageek pirate radio file