Creating a radio station can be a way to reach a wide range of audience members and share your views, or it can be a way to reach a niche audience and meet the community's needs. Although in the past the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) allowed nonprofit and education organizations to produce non-licensed radio stations under Part 15, this is now no longer allowed. As such, you must be prepared to go into creating a radio station as though it were a business venture.

Things You'll Need

    Radio equipment
    Significant funds (over $100,000)
    Access to the Internet
    Forms as outlined by the FCC

Instructions

1.Think about what kind of music you would like to play on your station or what shows you would like. Will you hire people to come in and do their own shows or will you share your station with several people? Make up a schedule so that everyone involved in the venture is fully aware of what's going on.

2.Read the rules of the FCC on FM radio stations. Currently, the FCC is not accepting any noncommercial or educational radio stations, so you must conform to the rules of a commercial radio station.

3.Look over a sample cost of different radio transmissions and classes and make a budget.

4.Apply for the station by filling out Form 301 (online and in print) and then making a proposal that discusses the channel you will broadcast on, the community you will serve and the class your new station will be.

5.Complete and make four copies of each item. Send your application in triplicate and a $3,365 application fee to:
        Audio Division (MB), c/o Office of the Secretary
        TW B204, FCC
        445 12th St. NW
        Washington, D.C. 20554.

6.Wait several weeks to hear whether your application was approved or denied.

7.Purchase your radio equipment if your application was approved. It is a good idea to wait until your approval as most radio station applications are turned down. You don't want to waste over $100,000 on something that never happens.

8.Begin broadcasting. Make sure you're aware of the community you are catering to and that you listen to their suggestions and complaints.

Tips & Warnings

If you are denied a station, consider broadcasting through iTunes as a podcast. It is extremely simple and all you need is iTunes and access to the Internet. After building up experience and a fan base, you may be able to transfer to an FM station more easily.

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