AM and FM Stations

How to set up an FM Radio Station in the USA

How to set up an FM Radio Station in the USA

Have you ever wished to start an FM radio station in the USA? If yes, then it’s time to know that your wish could be a reality.

Don’t worry at all, this article is all about furthering your dream whether it’s a talk show, popular music, subject-specific, or news. So, let’s get started.

There are two types of traditional radio stations. The low power radio station (LPFM, for non-profit organizations) and full power radio station (For commercial use).

Where to start to set up an FM Radio Station in the USA

First of all, you have to apply for a frequency. You will file an application for a radio frequency to Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to begin your station. It may take a long time to get the frequency because, during the application filing window period, many competing applications are filed for new stations.

Filing the application does not guarantee that you will get the frequency. Therefore, it is recommended that you buy all the equipment and accessories needed when you get the permit from FCC. You can check the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for further details.

Then you will apply for a license because unlicensed operations are prohibited. According to FCC, it’s illegal to operate even over very low power, without having a license. In case of illegal operation of an unlicensed station, heavy fines and/or criminal prosecution will be enforced, you can check recent enforcement actions in detail.

There is only one unlicensed operation that is permitted on the AM and FM broadcast bands and that is covered under Part 15 of the FCC’s rules, and this is limited to a radius of approximately 200 feet. For more details about licensing rules and regulations, you can check the Commission’s July 24, 1991 Public Notice, which is still working.

Now you have to prepare a source of funding. Always keep in mind the expenses you must have to pay for the studio space and power among these.

Once you have done all these steps, you are ready to proceed with the next process of setting up your radio station.

Choose the power of your radio station

Now you have options to choose the power of the station. If you want to start a non-profit organization you can go with a low power station and apply for an LPFM license.

Or if you want to start a commercial radio station then you have to choose a high-power station category. It typically uses tens of thousands of watts of power, so keep this thing in mind while making your budget plans. Check the FCC website to choose the right license for your purpose.

Equipment to establish an FM radio station in the USA

Now, get ready to buy some necessary equipment for your radio station including the transmitter equipment and an antenna. You may think to rent a space on an existing tower for your antenna.

To design your studio, you will need soundproofing gear, speakers, microphones, headphones, and more. In the next step, you will recruit some skillful staff and make sure that you have enough staff to fill out all the slots in a whole day.

Marketing and advertising

Marketing/Advertisement is almost a necessity for a radio station and there should be some online and offline marketing strategies to thrive. So, prepare a marketing strategy and plan for your advertisement. You can use offline as well online sources.

These days advertising online via the internet is the best source to reach the target audience. You can use social media pages, groups, ads, and promote your radio station on search engines. One important thing to remember here is that you should always use geotargeted advertising so that your ads reach specifically to the areas where your listener base is. In geotargeted advertising, you show your ads only to serve the relevant demographic without wasting your money.

After all the required setup, now it’s time to spend some extra time with your new staff to keep them on one page. Practice your broadcasters several weeks before it goes on air.

Hopefully, you have understood the radio station setup procedure, but it’s not over yet. There is another interesting and more feasible way of setting up a radio station without spending a lot of money on the setup process and that is the online radio station.

The easiest way to set up a radio station

Setting up a radio station has never been so easy. With just a computer and a stable internet connection, you can start your own online radio station, with no paperwork.

No need to build a studio, rent a tower for your antenna, buy an FCC license, etc. With internet radio, all these are swept away. Your recurring expenses are only a hosting plan for audio streaming and website (Free trial for 7 Days), Internet Service, and Royalties (For commercial Music, if needed). You can put advertisements over your radio platform to start your earnings. I can say this would be an earning without burning! 😄

Conclusion

Setting up an online radio station has many potential benefits as compared to traditional radio stations. There are more options, minimum requirements, fewer advertisements, and broad availability in an online radio station.

Online radio provides relaxed listening and broadcasting experience. Moreover, these days web and mobile platforms are necessary to interact with the audience. So, if you are curious about creating your online radio station, BRLOGIC possesses you covered. It is a quick and easy process with BRLOGIC.

What are you waiting for? Just head into it and start right now, you can set up your online radio station in a few seconds. You can check all the plans here. There is a 7-day free trial period in which you can check the services without paying even a single penny.

About the author

Luiz Silveira

Luiz Silveira is a specialist in digital marketing and a radio, music and technology enthusiast. With a decade of experience, he aims to help radio stations better position thenselves on the internet.

2 Comments

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High quality professional for todays digital broadcasting, better than any other radio platform.

KERL 94.3 FM

BRLOGIC Blog
5
2019-02-20T17:42:09+00:00

KERL 94.3 FM

High quality professional for todays digital broadcasting, better than any other radio platform.

I love it. It helps me to keep my station organised and professional. The stream has never let me down...

MKB Independent Radio

BRLOGIC Blog
5
2024-06-10T18:17:04+00:00

MKB Independent Radio

I love it. It helps me to keep my station organised and professional. The stream has never let me down unlike previous hosts, I love that it includes a website and that it is always developing and making new things.

Customer Service cannot be beat; helpful and attentive to concerns. Quick response to solve problems.

Redneck Junction Radio

BRLOGIC Blog
5
2024-06-10T18:17:51+00:00

Redneck Junction Radio

Customer Service cannot be beat; helpful and attentive to concerns. Quick response to solve problems.
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