SAN DIEGO -- Free Radio 96.9 -- a pirate station that was shut down by the Federal Communications Commission in July -- is back on the air with a signal that sounds stronger than the last one.IMAGES: Pirate Radio ReopensThe station broadcasts from a small, rented shack in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego. The operators have returned to the same location -- despite the fact that federal marshals raided the building and tore down the antenna less than six months ago. The new antenna appears to be taller than the first, NBC 7/39 reported.
"They can send as many goombas out as they want," a 96.9 deejay said. "But, free speech is what we are all about, so we'll set up again."Devoted Free Radio fans said the anti-corporate message is refreshing."I don't know what the latest statistics are, what, that six companies own the media?" asked Free Radio listener Justin Bergmann. "I mean, it's ridiculous.""I don't think it's so much a violation of the law as it is making a statement about our values and the values of the media," said Free Radio listener Eneri Rodriguez. "It's a decision they've made and it's empowering."The risks for an unlicensed station include thousands of dollars in fines and prison time, NBC 7/39 reported. The owner of the property said he was not worried because, as far as he knows, the operators of the station have applied for a license. The operators of the station could not be reached to respond to this story."To my knowledge, I'm not doing anything illegal by renting to them," said South Park resident Dan Salter. "Do I go check their license and make sure they have one? No, it's not my job."Free Radio plays eclectic music ranging from gospel on Sundays to heavy metal, classical, indie and local, NBC 7/39 reported. The station also features regular deejays who host their own shows. Critics complain that the station operators use profane language.Previous Stories:
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IMAGES: Pirate Radio Reopens 
