PIRATE RADIO AWAITS LAW

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31785, 16 September 1968, Page 16

PIRATE RADIO AWAITS LAW

The organisers of Radio Pegasus, a pirate radio station which has yet to broadcast, are waiting to see if legislation covering illegal broadcasts, is passed in Parliament.

Mr S. Lawson, a spokesman for the organisers, said last evening that if legislation permitting the issue of land licences to private concerns was passed, Radio Pegasus would apply for a licence. He said that if it was refused permission to broadcast, it would probably go to sea. “I think the proposed legislation would make things difficult for pirate radios, but not impossible,” Mr Lawson said.

Mr Lawson said that nine persons were still connected with the venture and that equipment was in hand to broadcast on two kilowatts and a half within 48 hours. He said firms which had given advertising contracts

had not withdrawn them. “They say they are content to wait until we can get on the air."

Mr Lawson said that If a land licence was granted, the organisers would establish a station in Christchurch.

In February this year, Mr Lawson said that Radio Pegasus would begin broadcasts on March 30, but this did not eventuate -as the organisers were unable to obtain a suitable ship from which to broadcast.

Mr Lawson said equipment confiscated by the Post Office earlier in the year was a “piece of junk that was not really part of the broadcasting equipment” This had been returned.