A frequency scanning radio receiver scans and receives transmissions on discrete radio frequencies. The frequency scanning radio receiver is programmable to monitor frequencies in a geographical area where the receiver is located. The receiver is coupled to a communication device, located externally or internally of the receiver, for communication with a positioning system, such as the global positioning system, to determine the geographical location of the frequency scanning radio receiver either automatically or in response to a manual request. A data base of frequency allocation data, either internal to the radio or in a remotely located host system, provides frequency data to a memory in the frequency scanning radio receiver based on geographical location of the receiver determined through the communication device to program the receiver to monitor local radio frequency transmissions.