The history of pirate radio--radio broadcasts offered by unlicensed broadcasters as alternatives to licensed, commercial radio programming--is difficult to trace, both in America and the United Kingdom (UK) since mention of pirate broadcasts of a less-then-thrilling nature are rarely found. Also, until 1927, the U.S. government did not formally regulate broadcasting and spectrum allocation. The best-documented examples of pirate radio come from England, where pirate radio thrives. The UK pirates, such as Radio Caroline and Radio Veronica, operate their stations for profit, broadcast virtually around the clock, and solicit advertising from large, coprorate sponsors. Moreover, the UK station owners are usually financially affiliated with music publishing firms or record companies. In contrast to the UK pirates, U.S. pirate radio stations operate on shoestring budgets, broadcast irregularly, rarely attempt to turn a profit, do not solicit advertising, and keep a very low profile. The Federal Communications Commission has an attitude of "selective enforcement," meaning that it acts on complaints and interference, but does not seek out pirate broadcasters. Although ostensibly pirate radio provides an alternative to commercial radio broadcasts, in reality pirate radio broadcasts do not offer a substantially alternative form of programming. They usually rely on the same popular music that is programmed on commercial radio, rarely programming music other than pop and rock and roll. (One table of data and 54 footnotes are appended.) (MM)