Unlicensed Broadcasting

Unlicensed broadcasting, also called pirate broadcasting, is transmitting a radio or television signal without the required broadcast license. Some low-power unlicensed transmission is legal, such as under United States Part 15 rules allowing broadcasting at very short range, but the term pirate broadcasting is generally reserved for illegal transmission, particularly pirate radio and pirate television. Governments justify prohibiting unlicensed broadcasting by the need to keep certain frequencies open for emergency communication, control obscene or copyright-infringing content, and preserve licensing revenue.