Are pirate radio stations still a thing today? This video explores that.

Pirate radio (at least the non-wartime sort) first came to the public’s attention in the 1960s when enterprising broadcasters set up transmitters on ships operating outside British territorial limits. For a number of years, these stations–Radio Caroline, Radio London, and others–were the only source of popular music in the UK because the BBC thought it was beneath it to play such trash.

The UK pirates were crushed but they made their point. The BBC radio eventually opened up to pop and rock and private radio stations were allowed. Many of the pirate broadcasters found jobs on the mainland. John Peel, a former pirate, ended up being a legendary BBC jock.

But that was then. Is there still such a thing a pirate radio today? You might be surprised. Check out this video. (Via Rick J)