Micropower radio is a subset of pirate radio concerned with low-power

radio Radio is the technology of signaling and communicating using radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of frequency between 30 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). They are generated by an electronic device called a transmit ...

broadcasting Broadcasting is the distribution (business), distribution of sound, audio or video content to a dispersed audience via any electronic medium (communication), mass communications medium, but typically one using the electromagnetic spectrum (radio ...

, usually less than about 100

watt The watt (symbol: W) is the unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1 joule per second or 1 kg⋅m2⋅s−3. It is used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. The watt is named after James Wa ...

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 Micro Radio Movement in the United States aims to change radio licensing 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 Micro Radio Movement. In the US, the

Federal Communications Commission The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the United States. The FCC maintains jurisdiction ...

(FCC) requires AM/FM

and TV stations without a

Low Power FM Low-power broadcasting is broadcasting by a broadcast station at a low transmitter power output to a smaller service area than "full power" stations within the same region. It is often distinguished from "micropower broadcasting" (more commonly " ...

(LPFM) license to transmit with at least 6,000 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.

Sources

''Free Radio, Electronic Civil Disobedience'' by Lawrence Soley

External links

Microradio.org

* {{dmoz, News/Media/Access_to_Airwaves/Low-Power_MicroRadio/ , Low-Power MicroRadio Pirate radio Community radio