Description

Johnny Calabro, also known as "Hank Hayes," is a notable figure in American pirate radio history, having launched several unlicensed stations in New York and New Jersey starting in the 1970s. His pirate radio exploits served as inspiration for the character "Happy Harry Hardon" in the film "Pump Up The Volume".

Pirate Radio Activities

Johnny Calabro began broadcasting without a license in Brooklyn, NY, in 1975. His alias "Hank Hayes" became associated with stations including WCPR, WFAT, WGUT, RNI (Radio New York International), and WHOT. These stations operated both from makeshift land studios and, notably, from a radio ship anchored off Long Island, mirroring some classic offshore pirate radio traditions.

Legacy and Inspiration

Calabro's adventures as a teenage radio pirate and the alter egos "Hal Hall" and "Hank Hayes" directly inspired the main character in "Pump Up The Volume," a film about rebellious broadcasting. His story highlights the do-it-yourself ethos and the legal risks associated with pirate radio in America during the late 20th century.

Other Professional Work

In addition to his pirate radio days, Calabro has credits in independent film, news, and broadcast engineering. He has served as Director of Communications for the Historic Long Island Film Festival and worked as a news engineer for ABC News.

Online Presence

Johnny Calabro is publicly active online, using the handle “The Pirate Radio Guy” on various platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. He also has a presence on YouTube, where old pirate radio clips are preserved, and maintains personal sites dedicated to his pirate radio legacy.

In summary, Johnny Calabro represents a unique chapter in American radio history, bridging unauthorized broadcasting and creative media inspiration in both radio and film.