Entertain listeners while they work.
Radio stations can be used for a myriad of entertainment choices. Broadcast music, discuss ideals, or interview interesting guests. In the 1920s through the 1950s radio stations had popular soap operas which were reformatted to be aired on television. BBC7 still broadcasts readings of novel excerpts and original dramatic and comedic series. But you don't have to do any these things to start your own radio company.
Instructions
1. Launch online instead of seeking the traditional broadcasting route. The Federal Communications Commission has posted notices online that read "NOTICE: The FCC is not accepting applications for new FM commercial broadcast stations at the present time (2010)." The volume of applicants for new stations and stations that are already broadcasting has crowded the system for years to come.
2. Choose a format. Formats include all talk radio, all music, all sports or any format that you can create. Listen to other stations. Pinpoint the niche markets that aren't being served.
3. Create a monetization model. Decide how you'll make money from your radio station. Charge businesses for running ads in between shows. Accept donations from listeners. Bill listeners on a subscription basis.
4. Create a business name, trademark and logo for your business. Apply for a business license. Research the U.S. Trademark database for the name you have chosen to make sure no one else is using it. Complete the application forms online and pay the fees. Fees start at $275. Hire a graphic designer to create a logo. Search online freelance job boards. Review portfolios and request proposals from design professionals.
5. Use community support to fund your radio station's expansion. In "Community Radio Toolkit" Ally Fogg interviewed Kathleen MacIver, Station Coordinator for Isles FM Stornoway, who says, "We do most of our fund-raising ourselves. We had an Isles FM Day recently, with all sorts of fundraising events -- with pledges, ceilidh dances, all sorts of community events."
6. Find a location for your studios. Lease office space or run the station out of a dedicated room in your home. Sound proof the room. One method is to line old mattresses along the walls.
7. Select a domain name. Keep it close to your trademarked name. If it is unavailable for use, consider buying your trademark name from the person who is using it as a domain name. Contact them. Tell them your interests. Ask what their selling price is.
8. Buy online broadcast equipment. Purchase servers for hosting your continuous broadcasts. Buy microphones and recording equipment. Buy a webcam.
9. Build a website. Link your webcam to your studio. In a "Bloomberg Businessweek" article Shmulik Weller, CEO of SundaySky advises "Videos provide a dynamic, interactive experience for site visitors. By using videos, e-businesses can highlight promotions, provide tutorials, and show customers how products operate."
10. Hire on air radio talent. Post an ad in online and offline classifieds to request audition tapes. Include an address for them to send physical recording or an email address for them to send their digital recordings.
11. Review the audio files. Choose your top candidates. Schedule a telephone interview. Determine which candidates best exemplify the standards you wish the radio company to exhibit. Make that person an offer.
12. Get social. Join the conversations on Twitter. Add as many friends as you can on Facebook. Join broadcast community social networks. Tell everyone you come in contact with about your radio company, the format and why they should listen.
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