Pirate Radio Eastern Oregon (often abbreviated as PREO) is an independent, online internet radio station broadcasting from the La Grande area in northeastern OR
Pirate Radio Eastern Oregon (often abbreviated as PREO) is a music-focused radio station broadcasting from La Grande in northeastern Oregon. It embodies the rebellious spirit of "pirate radio"—originally unlicensed, free-form broadcasts that challenge mainstream media—while operating today as a legal online stream with an "old school broadcast feel." Founded informally in 1974 by Thomas Barnes (known on-air as the "Eastern Oregon Pirate"), it evolved into a formal online station in 2014 after earlier stints as an unlicensed FM operation. The station celebrates over five decades of rock 'n' roll, blending classic hits, talk segments, and themed shows from the rugged mountain landscapes of eastern Oregon. Evolution Origins (1970s): Barnes began experimenting with radio in 1974, inspired by the underground pirate radio scene of the era. This was a time when unlicensed broadcasters in remote areas like eastern Oregon could operate with minimal interference, playing eclectic music and fostering community vibes without corporate oversight.
Unlicensed FM Era (2010s): By the mid-2010s, PREO aired on FM frequencies like 92.3 MHz and later 100.5 MHz from Barnes' home in La Grande. It gained a cult following for its raw, live broadcasts but drew FCC scrutiny. Complaints starting in 2018 traced signals to Barnes' residences, leading to repeated shutdowns. In 2023, the FCC proposed an $80,000 fine against Barnes under the PIRATE Act for operating without a license, citing multiple violations including signals traceable to his Jefferson Avenue home. Despite this, the station's pirate ethos persisted, with Barnes openly promoting it via social media and videos.
Legal Pivot (2014–Present): To comply with regulations, PREO shifted to online streaming, allowing global access without FM risks. It now broadcasts 24/7 from the Northeast Oregon mountains, emphasizing "the real deal" with live DJing by Barnes and his wife. As of October 2025, it's fully operational, posting daily on X (formerly Twitter) about live shows like 80s flashbacks and 90s sets.
The station's journey reflects broader pirate radio trends: starting as a defiant, low-power FM rebel in underserved rural areas, then adapting to digital platforms to survive enforcement. PREO specializes in "Five Decades of Rock and Roll," curating playlists from the 1960s onward with a nostalgic, unpolished edge: Music Focus: Classic rock staples (e.g., Aerosmith's "Angel," Bad Company's "Evil Wind," The Doors' "L.A. Woman"), 80s new wave (e.g., Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings," The Outfield's "Your Love"), and 90s alt-rock. Themed shows include "80s Flashback" and "90s & Beyond."
Talk and Extras: Casual banter from the "Eastern Oregon Pirate & crew," occasional podcasts, and community shoutouts. It's not heavily produced—expect segues, static-like effects, and a "live from the mountains" intimacy.
Vibe: Anti-corporate, listener-driven. Barnes promotes it as a staple for eastern Oregon's remote listeners, evoking the free-spirited pirates of yore who broadcast from ships or hidden transmitters.
How to Listen, Tune in via these free platforms:
Official Website
https://t.co/JeE7GOpiK0
TuneIn
https://t.co/GLhHww6jAJ
myTuner Radio
https://t.co/bvU1VWSeIM
Get Me Radio
https://t.co/ch2Idnr0G3
Mixcloud (Archives)
https://t.co/tbi1iJhIIE
YouTube
https://t.co/CUGVJ44Z0p
Other Aggregators
Streema, Radio Garden, Online Radio Box
Live streams often run evenings (e.g., 5–8 PM PT for music shows), with archives for on-demand listening. Follow @PirateRadioEO
on X for real-time updates—recent posts from October 2025 highlight tracks like Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and live Mixcloud sessions. Cultural Impact and Legacy In eastern Oregon—a vast, sparsely populated region with limited commercial radio—PREO fills a niche for rock enthusiasts tired of cookie-cutter playlists. Its pirate roots highlight tensions between FCC crackdowns and grassroots broadcasting, especially post-PIRATE Act (2015), which ramped up fines to deter unlicensed ops. Yet, by going online, it's thrived, proving pirate radio's adaptability. If you're into analog nostalgia with a digital twist, PREO captures the thrill of tuning into something forbidden yet familiar.
The fall of Portland, Oregon
Here are major retailers that left Portland over declining conditions due to Democrat policies from 2022–2026
- Nike Community Factory Store (Operated since 1984, 40 years)
Closed permanently because of 276 shoplifting reports in one year. They cited deteriorating public safety. Nike sent a letter to the mayor citing conditions
- Walmart (Both Portland Locations) 580 employees laid off
- Target (Three Stores) Reason: Explicitly cited organized retail crime and shoplifting
- REI Reason: Highest break-in rate in two decades; over $800,000 spent on extra security in 2022 (including multiple incidents, one with a vehicle through the doors on Black Friday)
- U.S. Bank (U.S. Bancorp Tower)
Announced it would not renew its long-term lease Building Sale: Sold in July 2025 for $45 million (down from $372 million in 2015 — ~88% value decline).
- Wells Fargo Announced plans to exit Portland
- Starbucks Closed at least 5–6 Portland locations in September 2025 alone.
- Nordstrom Rack (Downtown)
- CVS Pharmacy (SW Broadway)
Reason: Employee cited shoplifting as a factor
Malls Major Retail Centers also closed
Pioneer Place Mall: Once had roughly 100 stores. It’s now down to 20. Described as a “dead mall.”
• Lloyd Center Mall: Confirmed for full demolition. Now 90% vacant
PacWest Center: Sold October 2025 for $55.7 million (down from $170 million in 2016. That’s a 67% drop)
- Montgomery Park: Sold August 2024 for $33 million (down from $255 million in 2019, that’s a 87% drop)
We're tired of hearing you cowards talk.
@tedcruz@SenMikeLee@MikeCrapo@SenRickScott@MarshaBlackburn@SenTedBuddNC@HawleyMO @senlewis @SenTuberville@SenatorRisch@VoteRandyFine@senategop@housegop
It's on you now. We are no longer watching Thune, he's dead to us.
You replace him and get the Trump agenda passed starting with the Save America Act or you are all going down.
You don't get to hide behind Thune's lousy leadership and lack of action.
I don't think you understand the rage that MAGA is feeling right now and it's at ALL OF YOU.
You have a path to get rid of Thune and put a real conservative who is aligned with Trump and thus the VOTERS WILL.
Do your jobs or you are done.
🚨CA ELECTION FRAUD EXPOSED AGAIN - Democrats are laughing at us with their mail-in ballot magic show!
Yesterday’s “count” in the LA Mayor race is pure comedy: Karen Bass magically adds 12,000+ votes overnight while Spencer Pratt stays frozen like a statue - every other candidate gets votes except him. Same clown show in the Governors race. They drag it out for days because counting same-day like Florida would ruin their cheat party!
Trump’s SAVE Act would fix this with voter ID, same-day counts, and no more post-election dumps, but RINOs in the Senate are deliberately blocking it to keep the steal alive. New rigged district maps bury conservatives even deeper.
I used to live in California with family and friends still trapped in that blue dumpster fire - I want them LIBERATED. With Spencer Pratt’s strategic genius running for Mayor and eyes glued to this race like never before, the cheat is on full display. Time to watch the great California wake-up… and the epic fallout.
California Patriots: turn out MASSIVE or kiss your State goodbye. America - this rigged circus ends when WE say it does!🔥🇺🇸🌶️
#CaliforniaElectionFraud #democratscheat #savethevote #spencerprattforla #electionintegrityNOW
New York!!!!
Please share.
The race between Tina Forte and AOC is drawing increasing attention as voters debate two very different visions for New York's future 🇺🇸
Supporters of Tina Forte view her as a conservative challenger focused on public safety, border security, economic opportunity, and America First priorities. Supporters of AOC argue she has become one of the most influential progressive voices in Congress, advocating for major reforms on climate, healthcare, and economic issues.
As the campaign moves forward, voters—not commentators—will decide which vision they believe best represents New York's 14th District.
#TinaForte #AOC #NY14 #USPolitics #Congress #Election #AmericaFirst #America
The race between Tina Forte and AOC is drawing increasing attention as voters debate two very different visions for New York's future 🇺🇸