Irish Pirate Radio 1978-1988: How Political Stasis Allowed Unlicensed Radio to Flourish and Innovate

Abstract

The history of pirate radio in Ireland remains understudied by comparison with other countries with histories of unlicensed broadcasting. This is surprising given the extent and longevity of a large pirate radio scene which was at its zenith between 1978 and 1988. Drawing on our own archive of Irish pirate radio recordings, interviews with those involved and pirate paraphernalia, we contend that the cultural, social, political, economic., and technological influence of Irish pirate radio was farreaching. However, although the pirates were influential and left a lasting legacy, they ultimately lost out in the new licensed regime rolled out from 1989.