The Junta de Andalucia has suddenly decided to crack down on radio stations operating illegally, namely without a licence, and around 100 stations, all but the main national broadcasters, have received letters stating that they must cease broadcasting within ten days or face a fine of €100,000.
Radio Stations such as Coastline FM, who have been operating from various locations for over twenty years, have adhered to the directive and have ceased broadcasting over the airwaves, although they continue to be available online.
The majority of radio stations in Andaucia, both foreign and Spanish-owned, have always been illegal but were basically ignored. Most, although not all, made sure they were operating on frequencies which did not infringe upon those of other broadcasters.
Most of the radio stations are not illegal through choice but because there is no official procedure in place to actually obtain a licence, however hard you try. Station owners have been trying for years to become ‘legitimate’ but to no avail.
Perhaps now, with this action, the whole issued will be properly reviewed and procedures put in place to allow those who genuinely want to set up a radio station and provide a service to the public – radio stations rarely make any money – to do so legally and with certainty.