How do I start my own online radio station for free?

Question

i would love to start an online radio station but i don't want to pay and i can't use uBroadcast because i don't have a credit card. anyone know any place that makes this possible? and if it isn't. please don't call me an idiot for asking.

Answer 1

The ONLY way you can do this free is if you are 100% speech based or using unsigned music (with the musicians permission of course), otherwise you will require a royalty license (PRS/MCPS & PPL in the UK, ASCAP and possiably more in the USA).  If you dont have one of these, you are broadcasting illegally and risk a fine or possiable prison time, a test case has just happened here in the UK with a six month prison sentance for the offender.  Admittidly, with our system and overcrowded prisons here in the UK,  he will probebly be out after serving a couple of weeks of his sentence! That's a whole subject for another post! ;-)

Remember you are governed by the country where your server is located not necessarily where you actually are.  Now, if the server is in some unknown country, the license costs alot less as I have found out in the past for clients of mine.  However, in an unknown country such as an African country for example you risk more internet down time than you would if your server was located in the UK or US.  So there are pro's and con's.  I hope that helped. :-)

Answer 2

Your not a idiot! There isn't a really safe way to broadcast online. Its illegal to broadcast for free, you have to pay royalties and all that jazz.

Live365.com is probably the cheapest place to go. Another way to go is making a playlist at http://www.projectplaylist.com or http://www.myflashfetish.com ... its almost as good as your own station!?!?!

Answer 3

You best bet is to record a podcast then upload them onto itunes.  This is the easiest way to get your voice herd.  And its free too.

Answer 4

See if the FCC will help, that is what they are there for and should follow up relatively fast, everything is virtual.