Free Radio San Diego (96.9 FM) is an unlicensed radio station located in San Diego, California. The founders claim that its creation was a reaction to Federal Communications Commission restrictions on new radio licenses. They have provided a commercial-free unlicensed broadcast since October 13, 2002 — with occasional interruptions due to FCC raids and technical issues. The open-format music selection is chosen by DJ preference but is weighted towards punk rock. Also featured are syndicated news programs such as Democracy Now! and Free Speech Radio News.

FRSD, by virtue of its location in the eighth largest U.S. city, is arguably the most widely heard pirate radio station in the country.

FCC enforcement actions

On July 21, 2005, U.S. Marshals and the Federal Communications Commission carried out a raid against Free Radio San Diego, effectively seizing all of their broadcast equipment. The station resumed broadcasting three months later from a new location.

The station did not broadcast over-the-air from January to October 2007, as a result of a $10,000 Notice Of Apparent Liability (NAL) For Forfeiture, which was later reduced to $750. However, it continued to broadcast online, via Internet.

As of October 20, 2007, the station was again broadcasting on 96.9 MHz.

As of December 2007, Christian radio station KRTM, based in Murrieta, California, is using the 96.9 frequency for K245AI, a licensed broadcast translator of their main station.

References

1. Pirate969.org: November 2005 Broadcast Resumed
2. FCC NAL 200732940002 12/28/2006
3. FCC NAL 200732940002 6/13/2007
4. FRSD Is Back On The Air