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Step 1
Budget how much you want to spend on software. If you are running a big commercial radio station, you can probably afford to spend the money on top-end software. However if you are broadcasting on a non-profit station, or just trying to start an Internet station, you probably won't be able to afford, or need, the high-end software.
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Step 2
Decide what you need the software to do. For a fully functioning radio station, you will have to invest in several pieces of software. Consider not only live on-air broadcasting, but also software for automation, recording production, editing, Internet streaming, show preparation and anything else you may to do with your station.
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Step 3
Consider trying Adobe Audition for recording and editing radio production and commercials. Audition is an industry standard in radio because of its ease of use, audio processing capabilities and editing abilities. There are several other audio recording and editing software programs that you can try, but Audition is a great place to start.
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Step 4
Check out Prophet Systems' NexGen for a good digital automation and audio playout system. NexGen can organize your music library, set your playlists, insert advertising, take care of automation and much more. It is a popular choice for many radio stations.
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Step 5
Subscribe to some radio trade magazines and check out the coverage and reviews of software. One of the best ways to find out what software is worth your money is by seeing what other radio professionals are saying. Consider "Radio and Production" and "Radio and Records" as publications that can offer some helpful information.
