Pirate radio stations don’t buy licences. Instead, they play music because they love it. What little cash they do get comes from advertising from local businesses.
History and Evolution
In 1988, a new form of radio license was released, and Kiss FM received one of the first new licenses in 1989. By 1990, Kiss FM was a fully legal station. Much like the British Pirate Radio stations of the 1960s that inspired our name and had to take to international waters to broadcast the music they loved, for the past 30 years we too have been charting our own course. Starting with Radio and growing with Film and TV, our sounds can be heard around the world.
Radio listeners want to be entertained and informed. They want to hear music that they enjoy, and they want to hear the latest news and information. Donations from listeners are also a common source of revenue, and some stations hold regular pledge drives to raise money. Finally, some pirate radio stations sell merchandise to support their operations.
In the 1960s, stations like Radio Caroline and Radio London began broadcasting offshore to meet demand for pop and rock music not catered for by BBC Radio. The UK government closed the international waters loophole via an Act in 1967. Groups in Denmark and Sweden also broadcast from the sea earlier through stations like Radio Mercur or Radio Nord in the late 1950s and early 60s.
The first well-known pirate radio ship in the UK was Radio Caroline, named after President Kennedy’s daughter. Broadcasting started on a Danish passenger ferry called Frederica. This opened the doors for more pirate stations broadcasting without licenses or fees under freedom of expression, from ships in international waters.
Legalization and Impact
In 1989, Kiss FM received one of the first new licenses and by 1990, Kiss FM was fully legal. Our sounds can be heard around the world.
Revenue Sources
- Advertising from local businesses
- Donations from listeners
- Pledge drives
- Merchandise sales