By Currier Times Staff///

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a warning to a Dorchester man to shut down his radio station, which the FCC said is illegally using the same frequency as Curry College’s FM radio station, 91.5 WMLN.

According to the FCC, the station was broadcasting from Otisfield Street in Dorchester. In a letter to Roy Owens of Otisfield Street, the FCC said they had confirmed in August of 2024 that he was using the 91.5 frequency. Dorchester’s proximity to the transmitting tower for WMLN, which is on the Milton campus, was a concern.

WMLN Radio Director, Professor Kenneth Carberry, told The Currier Times it was an issue that could impact WMLN’s operations.

“Parts of Dorchester are certainly within our coverage area,” said Carberry. “With a pirate radio station on 91.5 FM, WMLN listeners in the Dorchester and Mattapan sections of Boston could hear interference or even lose our signal completely.”

The FCC’s letter to Owens further explained he could face millions in fines.

“Accordingly, you are hereby notified and warned that the FCC may issue a fine of up to $2,391,097 if, following the response period set forth below, we determine that you have continued to permit any individual or entity to engage in pirate radio broadcasting from the property that you own or manage,” said the FCC in the letter.

Owens has ten days from January 6th to respond to the FCC warning. A website listed a gospel radio station as operating on 91.5 in the Dorchester area. It is unclear if the station is still operating today.

Prof. Carberry applauded the FCC’s response.

“We are pleased the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau is taking action to shut down an illegal operator on our frequency,” said Carberry. “This year, WMLN celebrates 50 years of broadcasting at 91.5 FM in the Milton /Boston area, and our listeners look forward to hearing us clearly now and in the future.”