Press Release

Pulling the plug on pirate radio in Islington

February 2008

Islington Council and Homes for Islington have been working to tackle pirate radio stations. Operation Twilight was launched by broadcasting regulator Ofcom to tackle illegal broadcasting across several London boroughs including Islington.

Illegal broadcasting can cause interference to the radios used by vital services such as the London Fire Brigade and National Air Traffic Services (NATS) as well as licensed broadcasters, denying listeners their choice of music and news. Illegal stations cause significant damage to rooftops, resulting in expensive repair bills at public expense. The problem is worst in London and the South East with 50% of the illegal broadcasters operating in the UK.

Ofcom's operation ran from 6 to 16 February across 4 north London boroughs and resulted in three arrests, one studio raid and the removal of 22 illegal broadcasters' transmitters. Two illegal broadcasters were targeted in Islington: Origin 95.2 FM and Rude 88.2 FM.

Cllr Terry Stacy, Islington Council's Executive Member for Housing and Communities, said: "Pirate radio stations are a menace and we are pleased to support this crackdown.

“Islington Council is determined to stop illegal radio stations. Illegal broadcasters put lives at risk by interfering with vital emergency equipment, damage council property and make the lives of our residents hell. Sometimes these stations are linked to drug-dealing and serious crime, which we will not tolerate."

Doug Goldring, HFI’s Director of Operations said: “Illegal broadcasting can be linked with crime including drug dealing. Pirate broadcasters also cause damage to roofs, electricity supplies and security doors as well disrupting the lives of the residents who live in the blocks they target. Tackling pirate radio stations is important in ensuring safety on our estates and a good quality of life for residents.”

Robert Thelen-Bartholomew, Ofcom’s Director of Field Operations, said: "Illegal broadcasters can cause serious interference to safety-of-life services such as the fire brigade and air traffic control, as well as legitimate radio stations. Ofcom takes swift and firm action to remove these illegal stations from the air. We work closely with local authorities to ensure that this problem is tackled at source for the benefit of the community."

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact James Asser in the HFI communications team on 020 7527 5158 or email james.asser@homesforislington.org.uk or Chris Roe in the Islington Council media team on 020 7527 8751 or email chris.roe@islington.gov.uk

For further details about the operation please visit www.ofcom.org.uk or contact Ofcom Media Office at mediaoffice@ofcom.org.uk or call 020 7981 3033

Notes to editors:

1. Homes for Islington, one of the UK’s largest arms length management organisations (ALMO), which began operations in April 2004, is charged with managing council housing stock throughout the borough. It is owned by Islington Council and managed by a Board of Directors, made up of Islington tenants and leaseholders, council representatives and independent members.
2. Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.