Illegal Radio Station Operating in Worcester Agrees to Settlement

Illegal Radio Station Operating in Worcester Agrees to Settlement

An illegal radio station broadcasting in Worcester has agreed to a settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston. 

According to a consent decree filed on Monday, Vasco Oburoni and Christian Praise International Church agree not to operate an unlicensed radio station in violation of the Communications Act of 1934.

They also agree to surrender all of their broadcasting equipment.

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The settlement was announced by Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Rosemary Harold, Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau.

Operating Illegally

According to the signed consent decree, Vasco Oburoni and Christian Praise International Church admitted that they operated a radio broadcast station in Worcester, on frequency 97.1 MHz, without a license from the FCC, and previously operated an unlicensed radio station on frequency 102.3 MHz.

The FCC issued multiple warnings to the station, as well as, a forfeiture order in the amount of $15,000 against Oburoni for repeated violation of the Communications Act of 1934.

According to the U.S. Attorney, Oburoni agreed to a payment plan, but later began broadcasting again without a license on a different frequency.

The FCC received complaints, including from a licensed broadcaster that the unlicensed station was interfering with radio signals.

Violating the Settlement

If the FCC reasonably suspects that they have violated the Act, the FCC may inspect the premises and seize any broadcasting equipment. Finally, if the FCC determines that the defendants have operated an unlicensed broadcasting station in violation of the settlement, the defendants must pay a $75,000 fine.