How do I start a FM radio station in the US?

Question

How do I start a FM radio station in the US?

Answer 1

If you mean like regular over-the-air terrestrial commercial radio? Very difficult and much money.

A search of your favorite engine will bring up lots of information much too lengthy too go into completely here.

Firs try this very site. Put your question into the above "Search for questions box" and it will show you a bunch of other answers that have been posted on both Internet and commercial radio acquisition. There's lots of information from good answerers of previous questions.

Then go out to Google or the Yahoo web search.

-Good luck!

-a guy named duh

Answer 2

get millions of dollars first

Answer 3

You will have to receive a frequency allocation from the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC).  They auction the frequency and they run way over few million dollars per allocation.

You will also need a whole set of studio and transmitting equipment, a licensed engineer, etc.

Obviously, not an easy or cheap thing to start.

Answer 4

It's impossible to do unless you have thousands of dollars for equipment, and you're willing to go through a long approval process. Not to mention, you have to get plenty of advertisers to keep the station profitable if it does get off the ground

Answer 5

There's only a limited number of licensed frequencies within any given city limit - so you'll have to get one of those first.

Then - set up your station with all the broadcast equipment you're going to need... hire a staff to help you run the place... sell advertising air-time to help support the business... and off you go!

(Although with the advent of HD radio - this might not be as difficult as it once was)

Answer 6

How much power do you want to use?

If you keep it under 1 watt, you might be able to find a 'wireless fm transmitter' kit at radio shack for under $30.  It will probably warn you not to use anything other than a 9V battery or certain antenna.

If you want the whole city to enjoy your broadcast, you'll need from 30 to 1000 watts, and a license, and a frequency allocation, etc.

If you want air time as a broadcaster, you could visit your local community college or university - they may have openings in their program schedule for volunteers.

If you simply want the thrill of transmitting, and your intended audience is not the general public, you could pursue an amateur radio license, and transmit using FM on a different band.  You won't (legally) be able to transmit music or conduct business or charge for advertising or anything though.

Dave.