By Chase Squires

St. Petersburg- The Pirate Radio Broadcaster calling himself Bob Noxious
is temporarily off the air, claiming he had to shut down after federal
agents banged on his apartment door last week and began asking agents
about his on-air antics.
Noxious (not his real name), has been running an illegal station since
January with a range extending about 5 miles from downtown St.
Petersburg on 99.9 FM. He said Tuesday that he did not open his door
when federal Communications Commission agents came to his apartment. He
said he was not served with papers or formally notified of any pending
charges, but said the agents identified themselves to neighbors.
Broadcasting without a license is a federal and state crime*. An FCC
spokesperson declined to comment. Noxious said rather than risk his
equipment to federal seizure, he has hidden it, vowing to return to the
airwaves in about two weeks.
A fundraising benefit for Noxious' Pirate Radio Network is set for 3-7
PM April 24 at the Globe Coffee Lounge, 532 First Avenue N., St
Petersburg. Globe owner JoEllen Schilke, who hosts an arts show on
community radio station WMNF-88.5 FM, said she supports Noxious' right
to broadcast. "The people own the airwaves, thats ours," she said. "The
government controls it, and then gives it away to corporations."
The bands Fall on Purpose, Can't Do It, Car Bomb Driver, Burning Tree
and Ryan Yoho are slated to perform. Donations will be collected during
the show.




*As relates to the commercial portion of the spectrum.