LUTON, England — Unlicenced “pirate” broadcasting has been a feature of the United Kingdom’s radio scene since its earliest days. Perhaps it is most closely associated with the activities of famous ship-based radio stations such as Radio Caroline.
However, around the world and over many decades, land-based unlicensed broadcasting has played a significant part in driving the development of new forms of licensed radio services. Community radio in the U.K., local commercial radio in the Republic of Ireland and LPFM (Low-Power FM, a noncommercial radio service that broadcasts content for local communities) in the United States, among many others, all owe their existence, at least in part, to the activities of those prepared to take to the airwaves without official sanction.
Despite its long and varied history, and perhaps because of its often-transient nature, academics have rarely examined land-based unlicensed broadcasting in detail. The Signals from the Edge Conference at the University of Bedfordshire is the first academic conference to do so.
This one-day event will take place in Luton on Saturday, March 1, featuring contributions from former “pirates” and academics.
Presentations and panel discussions will form the event’s centerpiece, but there will also be video screenings and displays of various publications, private archives and paraphernalia.
With the agreement of contributors, the organizers are already planning a linked publication and possible physical and online follow-up events.
The organizers expect contributions from some parts of Europe, the U.K. and Ireland, but by the end of 2024, proposals received included from as far afield as the United States, Greece and Poland.
Co-organiser Mark Dezzani told RedTech that the idea for the event came out of a popular Facebook Group, “Land-Based Pirate Radio of the 70s and 80s,” which has well over 1,000 members and has been running for several years.
“We’re hoping to have contributions from archivists wanting to help save the elusive history of unlicensed broadcasting, and we might even persuade at least one ex-pirate hunter from a European regulator to attend,” said Dezzani.
Luton is particularly well-suited as a venue, with an international airport nearby and excellent road and rail links. Tickets are limited and on sale now.
For more information, you can e-mail Mark Wakely at markwakely@1386audio.com or visit the Facebook Group online at .
The author teaches radio and audio at the University of Bedfordshire, and is based in Norwich, U.K.
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