Dear Readers,
Welcome to 2010. Things look about the same from here. World events like the massive quake in Haiti demonstrate the urgent need for micro-power radio to pick up the slack when big-time radio stations are knocked off the air. Of course, our own government must take part of the blame for the chaos in Haiti, since the ouster of President Aristide was planned in Washington DC. If people can contribute to the recovery, probably the Red Cross would be the best charity to contact. Call them at 1-800-REDCROSS or www.redcross.org on the web. We see that small stations are still getting threatened with big fines for illegal broadcasting, while the so-called “Voice of America” is beaming into Zimbabwe with pirate stations. Check the following station alerts for more info. We salute Jayhaed Saade of MIX FM 91.9 for challenging the Canadian authorities and we wish him good luck in his struggles. As someone once said, “direct action gets the goods”. The best way to get an unfair law changed is for millions of people to challenge it repeatedly. Finally, on february 6th at 2:00 PM, there will be a screening of the film, “Pirate Radio” (formerly known as The Boat That Rocked). FCCFreeRadio.com and Indy Arts and Media will present a panel on LPFM radio (often called pirate radio). FCCFree Radio staff will share their stories and answer questions! Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight Street in San Francisco.
-Paul Griffin (for the AMPB)

Dear Readers,
Every now and then the authorities get excited and go out and start some enforcement activities. We don’t know if it’s caused by moon phases or solar flares, but probably they are just doing the bidding of their bosses. Right now we seem to be in one of those “heightened enforcement” periods. Stories about the fines against Pirate Cat Radio and Radio Free Brooklyn follow. All I can say is watch out for these FCC guys and whatever you do, don’t let them in to “inspect your facility”. If they’re in your area, a good strategy may be to go quiet until they go away. Changing location also seems to work as a stall tactic. Most enforcement seems to be generated by complaints, so try not to make people want to complain about you. Send out a clean signal and don’t interfere with licensed stations. The movie formerly known as “The Boat That Rocked” has finally made it to the US in a shortened form and retitled “Pirate Radio”. We hope it inspires people to join in the fun. Anyway, enjoy any slack time that comes your way and remember that shortwave stations like to crank it up during the holidays so tune in to the area just below 7 megahertz and see what you can hear!
-Paul Griffin (for the AMPB)

Dear Readers,
The Berkeley station is celebrating ten years on the air.
Please come to our party!

Soul Presents: A Pirated Midsummer Night’s Dream
Purple and Black Ball
HEADLINING:
Lolita Sweet – CD I’m Taking Applications
The Chairman – CD This Pain in My Soul
Triple Ave – CD The Working Class Heroes
FEATURING:
Yukon Hannibal – BLR DJ
Chela Simoné – BLR DJ
The Understudies - Dems and Citizen BLR DJ
DJ Blak & Divinity – BLR DJ’s (DJing Event)
Special Guests: Global Culture
BENEFIT FUNDRAISER FOR 104.1FM
BERKELEY LIBERATION RADIO
Come Celebrate With Us A Night of Love, Laughter, and Merriment!!!
Help Us Keep Free Speech ALIVE!!!
Food Provided by: Food Not Bombs
COST:
$5.00 before 7:00pm, $10.00 after 7:00pm
FRIDAY, JULY 31
Doors open: 6:00 pm
Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship
1924 Cedar Street (at
Bonita), Berkeley CA
Co-Sponsored by: BFUU Social Justice Committee
BerkeleyLiberationRadio.net

Dear Readers,
I’m still waiting for that “change”. I don’t see it happening yet. Still us radio rebels continue our struggle. One of my favorites right now is an angry guy who goes down into his basement and makes videos for youtube. The show is called “The Stench of Truth” and I recommend it highly. We still have a little free speech in this country so let’s use it before we lose it. I see the ever-widening powers of federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and I get concerned. I see regular military troops at traffic stops and I get concerned. I see outbreaks of never-seen-before contagious diseases and I get concerned. During the Bush years, it felt sort of like Germany in 1938. Now we have Obama and it’s starting to feel like Germany in 1941. I’m currently reading “The Rise of the Fourth Reich” by Jim Marrs. I would also recommend that to you. I’m not all gloom and doom though. What I see is most Americans going about their daily activities, reporting for work, paying their taxes, and obeying the law. That’s where our strength is-in the people. Folks are worried. They have good reason to be worried, but if we all can keep it together and hold our “leaders” accountable, I have faith that we as a nation can pull through. Here in Berkeley, our local pirate station will be celebrating ten years on the air come july 31. There are plans for a big party. I’ll update you in the next newsletter two months from now. Until then, keep on fighting for freedom and support your local micro-power station. -Paul Griffin (for the AMPB)