China's pirate radio stations threaten passenger jet safety: Xinhua

[ChrisSmolinski]

Law enforcement agencies have uncovered pirate radio stations operating in big cities and provinces using equipment that could disrupt communications between pilots and air traffic controllers, according to a state media report.

A lack of regulations controlling the sale and use of radio transmitters meant the devices were easily available on the market, unnamed legal experts told Xinhua.

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Pirate stations try to sell ads for escort agencies, medical products and other services, according to Xinhua.

The bureau has recently seized a 2,000-watt transmitter whose signal can reach most places in the capital.

Pirate radio equipment could be bought easily on online shopping sites for less than 50,000 yuan (HK$62,900), the report added.

Broadcast and print media are tightly controlled by the government on the mainland and the authorities are also trying to increase their grip on the use of social media.

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1580528/pirate-radio-stations-uncovered-mainland-equipment-seized