Radio Free Pittsburgh

It’s America 1969, but different than the one you know. Richard Nixon is in the first year of his third term. The Vietnam War is raging overseas. At home, the anti-war movement and other protests are in full bloom disrupting society.

Nixon, believing an elaborate network of pirate radio stations exists in Western Pennsylvania, enlists the help of J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon seeks their elimination by using regular law enforcement and “off book” assets.

College seniors, Art Weitz, whose brother recently died in Vietnam, and his friend, Alex Shea, decide to start up a pirate radio station. Art’s goal is to “stick it to Nixon.” Alex, a potential draft prospect of the Cincinnati Bengals, wants to use their show to meet girls.

After accidentally supercharging the station’s antenna, their radio signal travels much farther than intended. Stoking anti-war protests, it also draws the attention of Nixon, the FBI, and others who have their own motives for wanting the radio station gone.

Not realizing an odd assortment of characters are hunting them. Art and Alex continue broadcasting. This is the story of how a pirate radio station influences their lives, the course of the Vietnam war, the people hunting them, and American history?

This story will keep you engaged from the first page until the last.

About the author. Edward N. McConnell writes short stories from a unique personal perspective. He lives in West Des Moines, IA with his wife.