What do you think?
Rate this book
40 Watts from Nowhere: A Journey into Pirate Radio
When law office receptionist Sue Carpenter first asked how she might start her own radio station, everyone laughed. Getting on the air (legitimately) in San Francisco was a multimillion-dollar ambition. But in 1995, with the help of a few subversive techies and pirate-radio gurus, Sue built her first transmitter in her hilltop San Francisco apartment and launched KPBJ, enlisting friends as DJs. A few months later, Sue landed a magazine job in Los Angeles, took her transmitter with her, and established KBLT. From these humble beginnings KBLT emerged as one of L.A.'s best-loved radio stations, staffed with more than a hundred DJs and supported by major music labels eager to reach a different kind of audience. The station expanded its playlist from indie rock to an eclectic mix of jazz, hip-hop, electronica, and countless other styles. In the three and a half years before the FCC finally caught up with Sue, KBLT went from interviewing unknowns to hosting live performances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers -- without ever leaving Sue's apartment. 40 Watts from Nowhere is Sue's frank and hilarious account of her bizarre double life during the height of California's pirate-radio journalist by day, counterculture icon by night. It's an amazing true story, one that will instantly appeal to music fans -- and free spirits -- everywhere.
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2004
5 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 17, 2013
Carpenter's book 40 Watts from Nowhere is the story of how she changes her life to follow her dream! Moving from a safe but boring existence as a legal secretary in the town she loves San Francisco, Carpenter takes a risk and starts her own pirate radio system in her apartment broadcasting whatever music she likes to a very limited area for a few hours a day.
Readers follow her journey as she befriends tech types to help her with a transmitter and an antenna. More challenges await her as she breaks up with her addict boyfriend and moves to L.A. Although she has taken on a job as an editor at a small magazine, she pursues her pirate radio dream in the City of Angels where finding air space is a big problem.
Soon her station is up and running in her new apartment and plaguing her with equipment breakdowns, messy DJs, and fear of the FCC. At the same time, her career as a free lance writer takes off. She pitches ideas to magazines and/or often receives some crazy assignments for magazines like Jane and Marie Clair.
I am not going to tell you the ending because I believe that this highly entertaining book should be read. Does she go to jail when the FCC catches her? Pay thousands of dollars in fines? Marry her smooth new tall blond L.A. boyfriend and have twins? Find out.
Readers follow her journey as she befriends tech types to help her with a transmitter and an antenna. More challenges await her as she breaks up with her addict boyfriend and moves to L.A. Although she has taken on a job as an editor at a small magazine, she pursues her pirate radio dream in the City of Angels where finding air space is a big problem.
Soon her station is up and running in her new apartment and plaguing her with equipment breakdowns, messy DJs, and fear of the FCC. At the same time, her career as a free lance writer takes off. She pitches ideas to magazines and/or often receives some crazy assignments for magazines like Jane and Marie Clair.
I am not going to tell you the ending because I believe that this highly entertaining book should be read. Does she go to jail when the FCC catches her? Pay thousands of dollars in fines? Marry her smooth new tall blond L.A. boyfriend and have twins? Find out.
September 21, 2019
I loved this, due in no small part to the fact that I was heavily involved in a similar enterprise back in the 1990s. Sue's book explains far better than I can why small-scale FM radio becomes almost addictive; the shared sense of purpose, the friendships, the collective highs and lows and the feeling of achievement drawn from sharing music you believe in passionately.
If you are even slightly curious about what motivates people to set up pirate/community/micro radio stations, sometimes at great personal cost, and for absolutely no remuneration - then read this book. It's all here.
If you are even slightly curious about what motivates people to set up pirate/community/micro radio stations, sometimes at great personal cost, and for absolutely no remuneration - then read this book. It's all here.
March 1, 2016
Read it in one night. Couldn't help myself.
I suspect I might've enjoyed this book so much because I'm involved in local community radio, but I did enjoy the heck out of it, while marveling at Carpenter's commitment to pirate radio extending to letting random strangers tromp in and out of her apartment at all hours of the day and night. Also marveling how, in the heady days of the early 90s, giving federal agents a false name does not result in a hail of gunfire.
A great look at how a pirate radio station works, as well as a concise and informative history of the giant steamer that was the U.S. Telecommunications Act of 1996 and how it led to the recent availability of low-power station licenses. Also much California.
Although I am at that age that I kept thinking, "Dang. Her poor neighbors." I am old, y'all.
I suspect I might've enjoyed this book so much because I'm involved in local community radio, but I did enjoy the heck out of it, while marveling at Carpenter's commitment to pirate radio extending to letting random strangers tromp in and out of her apartment at all hours of the day and night. Also marveling how, in the heady days of the early 90s, giving federal agents a false name does not result in a hail of gunfire.
A great look at how a pirate radio station works, as well as a concise and informative history of the giant steamer that was the U.S. Telecommunications Act of 1996 and how it led to the recent availability of low-power station licenses. Also much California.
Although I am at that age that I kept thinking, "Dang. Her poor neighbors." I am old, y'all.
July 16, 2009
So adventurous! Carpenter documents the joys and trials of starting and maintaining a "pirate" radio station in the 90's in L.A. Makes me linger a moment when I hear fuzzy airwaves between stations. Someone read this book so we can drive around and find a local station that comes in for only ten blocks!
Read
May 29, 2023Super interesting personal history of a woman who ran two pirate radio stations - one in San Francisco and the second in LA.
The first part of the book dragged a small bit as she establishes herself in LA and then the book becomes a litany of late 90s bands that either had members who were DJs at this station or who played a benefit or on air. It says a lot about the community the author created that it was such a sticky creation.
The writing style was lots of short sentences and the author does not reveal too much of herself. It truly is the story of pirate radio. It also is a bit about how cool projects (illegal that they may be) get shut down by legal forces which are emboldened and encouraged by corporate ones.
The first part of the book dragged a small bit as she establishes herself in LA and then the book becomes a litany of late 90s bands that either had members who were DJs at this station or who played a benefit or on air. It says a lot about the community the author created that it was such a sticky creation.
The writing style was lots of short sentences and the author does not reveal too much of herself. It truly is the story of pirate radio. It also is a bit about how cool projects (illegal that they may be) get shut down by legal forces which are emboldened and encouraged by corporate ones.
July 1, 2019
A fantastic look into the world of unlicensed radio. Fascinating!
August 5, 2019
Loved this first person account of pirate radio in Los Angeles. Well written and entertaining.
December 5, 2019
lovely story about such an awesome woman. for anyone who loves radio.
August 9, 2025
Fun, quick read. Carpenter does a great job bringing the 90s LA scene to life. The memoir is well written, and I appreciate how humble the story is.
September 8, 2012
It will likely be a long time before I give five stars to a non-fiction title, although the same is true of fiction, I suppose.
Anyway, the book is good, although it doesn't really focus on the stuff of more interest to me, (the technical, the legal--well, maybe the legal wouldn't be too interesting), and some subjects it touches on so lightly... the 1996 telecom act that allowed much more ownership by one entity in a single market... which probably has to do with why I have to get up and change the station every thirty seconds to avoid a three-year old single by Adele (who is totally awful, by the way). Don't get me started on the cost to Semisonic fans with Dan Wilson focusing on anything but working for Semisonic.
Moving on, this is a 2004 book, so it isn't too current, and it would be interesting to see some kind of supplement out on the web about the more recent developments (low power FM was only starting at 2004, so it would be interesting what happened to those stations, as well as the third-adjacent or fourth-adjacent practices). And in the last chapter it would be interesting to hear more detail on how NPR "sold out" and agreed with the industry broadcasting lobbyist study that forced forth-adjacent for low-power radio and closed the airwaves to many markets.
The book as it is contains a lot of background on KBLT, but without being in on it from the beginning, so many of these people are unknowns to me (including, apparently, the legendary Mike Watt). It was interesting enough, but, well, I liked it, just be aware of what you are getting.
--Brian.
Anyway, the book is good, although it doesn't really focus on the stuff of more interest to me, (the technical, the legal--well, maybe the legal wouldn't be too interesting), and some subjects it touches on so lightly... the 1996 telecom act that allowed much more ownership by one entity in a single market... which probably has to do with why I have to get up and change the station every thirty seconds to avoid a three-year old single by Adele (who is totally awful, by the way). Don't get me started on the cost to Semisonic fans with Dan Wilson focusing on anything but working for Semisonic.
Moving on, this is a 2004 book, so it isn't too current, and it would be interesting to see some kind of supplement out on the web about the more recent developments (low power FM was only starting at 2004, so it would be interesting what happened to those stations, as well as the third-adjacent or fourth-adjacent practices). And in the last chapter it would be interesting to hear more detail on how NPR "sold out" and agreed with the industry broadcasting lobbyist study that forced forth-adjacent for low-power radio and closed the airwaves to many markets.
The book as it is contains a lot of background on KBLT, but without being in on it from the beginning, so many of these people are unknowns to me (including, apparently, the legendary Mike Watt). It was interesting enough, but, well, I liked it, just be aware of what you are getting.
--Brian.
June 14, 2023
I have a deep obsession with radio, especially before it was corporatized and monopolized by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Sue Carpenter was one of many pirate radio rebels who created a community through the airwaves. Corporate conglomerates like I Heart Radio, are the new DJs, with capitalism creating mass information curated by corporate culture. Carpenter touched on this nostalgia throughout the book, giving a peephole into the days before the FCC cracked down on pirate radio and squashed any independent voice that broadcasts on 40 watts. Carpenter is also a journalist and this book reports journalistically but also weaves the multiple stories of the people who played a part in KBLT. Carpenter's process of self-discovery cultivated a community in LA's Silver Lake neighborhood through a love of music and a general disdain for the rules. Though KBLT no longer exists, it doesn't mean it didn't matter. 40 Watts from Nowhere will remind you that the communities we make and taking big risks for something that matters to you will always be an act of rebellion.
June 9, 2008
Wanting to learn more about the world of "pirate radio", I checked this out from the library. While not disappointing, the book feels incomplete in addressing what could such a great and expansive topic for further discussion.
Of course, it is primarily the author's retelling of her experience starting up KBLT and KPBJ in San Fran and LA, and as the years go by she crosses pathes with Berkeley radicals, various musicians and druggie types, and nefarious FCC G-men. While a lot of this information is fun and a little bit "I Love the '90s!" or something, at times the complete unwillingness to engage more countercultural aspects or even technical details about pirate radio make the author eventually come across as somewhat shallow: another magazine/media careerist who, in her heart she claims, is really a hippie, or punk, or freethinker of some kind. She's just not sure which.
So, as for pirate radio, the Internet is probably a much better place to start looking.
Of course, it is primarily the author's retelling of her experience starting up KBLT and KPBJ in San Fran and LA, and as the years go by she crosses pathes with Berkeley radicals, various musicians and druggie types, and nefarious FCC G-men. While a lot of this information is fun and a little bit "I Love the '90s!" or something, at times the complete unwillingness to engage more countercultural aspects or even technical details about pirate radio make the author eventually come across as somewhat shallow: another magazine/media careerist who, in her heart she claims, is really a hippie, or punk, or freethinker of some kind. She's just not sure which.
So, as for pirate radio, the Internet is probably a much better place to start looking.
November 4, 2015
Carpenter jump out of the Pirate Radio airplane without a parachute. Colorful descriptions are for the PG-13 read, be warned. I could see the statements Sue and others were making in S.F. and L.A. through use of micro radio transmission. Communities formed around people within neighborhoods. In a world before cheap SMS texting and smart phones, radio was the main way to connect with a movement or community. Sue kept taking her experience with Pirate Radio until the end.
My interest in this book is due to my listening to and talking on CB radio my junior and senior years of high school. I am also an Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) operator. I also listen for local broadcast through a handheld scanner.
This book gives perspective to others who would "tap" the "grayer" side of broadcasting.
My interest in this book is due to my listening to and talking on CB radio my junior and senior years of high school. I am also an Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) operator. I also listen for local broadcast through a handheld scanner.
This book gives perspective to others who would "tap" the "grayer" side of broadcasting.
September 14, 2015
Sue Carpenter takes the reader on a joy ride with numerous highs and lows in her quest to fly under the FCC's radar while operating a pirate radio station in the late 90's. You can feel her frustration as she shares her Silver Lake home with a cast of sloppy characters who visit for 2 hours at a time, spinning records and CDs and leaving behind mounds of garbage, empties and cigarette butts. Surprisingly enough, most of the book deals with the everyday trials and tribulations of running the station while constantly worrying about the real possibility of a raid by the feds. Very much worth the effort.
September 24, 2007
Joining goodreads has made me take a long look at my bookshelf to remember everything I've read over the past few years, and this was a highlight. It's a light little romp along with Sue Carpenter, who ran pirate radio stations KPBJ and KBLT in the mid-90s out of San Fran and then LA. Any music lover will sympathize with Sue's motives - getting decent music on the radio because Infinity and ClearChannel suck ass - and will get a vicarious thrill out of raging against the FCC. I wanted to start a pirate radio station myself after reading this book. Man, I miss the mid-90s.
January 3, 2010
A well-written non-fiction account of one woman's foray into the world of pirate radio and her misadventures therein. I have a personal soft spot for this book, as I read it while working at a radio station. However, the radio jargon is kept to a minimum so even the most ignorant layman can understand what's going on. While the spine of the story rests on the author's struggle to keep her radio station on the air, the body of the narrative is much more universal-- that of discovering how far we can and will go to achieve our goals.
August 16, 2007
The woman hated what regular radio was doing to music and sought to do the sort of radio she wanted to hear. Of course, anyone can do this now thanks to podcasting and whatnot, but before this here inter-ma-net thing, it was quite the undertaking. The story of Sue and her two pirate stations, KPBJ and KBLT (and can I say that naming stations after sandwiches is brilliant?), is a fun, interesting read, especially if you, too, hate terrestrial radio. And really, who doesn't these days?
January 22, 2008
My brother lent me this as he is a radio junkie.
This was a really engaging story about a young woman trying to do something fulfilling, creative, and daring with her life and succeeding.
The story has a great pace and flow and keeps you running along with the story and dying to find out what happens next. Fuck the FCC! If you like regular Jane outlaw stories this one's for you.
This was a really engaging story about a young woman trying to do something fulfilling, creative, and daring with her life and succeeding.
The story has a great pace and flow and keeps you running along with the story and dying to find out what happens next. Fuck the FCC! If you like regular Jane outlaw stories this one's for you.
July 9, 2008
the great guru of book knowledge, carol hudak, loaned this to me when i was in high school. radio. why had i not thought of this before? a music lovers fantasy is to DJ for the masses (or not so masses). after reading this book i knew i wanted to get involved with radio and never looked back. viva la terrestrial signal!
January 2, 2008
An insider's look at the pirate radio movement. Well written and funny. Plus the author is a woman. She's got a great "voice" and point of view. Wasn't sure I would like it but really glad I took the chance on this book.
June 6, 2007
This book really makes you yearn to start your own pirate radio station...
October 24, 2007
i suppose with all the options for podcasts & streaming radio, there isn't really a need for pirate radio stations these days. damn, this book really makes me want to start one up though.
September 14, 2007
A very good writer and a very enteresting read!
September 13, 2008
If you ever wanted to share your music. Read 40 Watts while djing on internet for UHH. Reminds me of a year I spent producing raves.
January 10, 2009
Really interesting fun read for anyone, but especially if you are familiar with underground music of the late '90s.
May 6, 2010
A fun book and well written.
December 22, 2011
i'd give it minus one star for the hipster content.
Read
January 20, 2013If you'd like to know what I thought of this book, please contact me directly and I'd be happy to discuss it with you.
All the best,
- TB
All the best,
- TB
April 13, 2015
Being a DJ for a start up radio station (via internet, FCC dont get a wedgy about it) I found it was really interesting and informative.
June 20, 2015
MY FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE I LOVE THIS BOOK VERY MUCH.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews