How to Create an Online Radio Station

Online radio stations are a way to promote music or causes you love and talk about what interests you. It's easy to create and run your own online radio station to broadcast music or talk to the world. Use Internet radio or podcasting software to create the station without the need to maintain a server or have an always-on Internet connection.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microphone
• Broadcasting host
• Broadcasting software

1. Find a service that fits your broadcasting needs. Do you want a station that broadcasts music and programming 24/7 or one that is on only when you are ready to go live?
   Services such as Live365.com offer hosting services and broadcast software packages starting at $9.95 a month. Podcasting services such as Podomatic.com also offer "live-podcasting" that allows users to go "live" whenever they'd like. Select a service and package that fits your budget.
   If you want to broadcast without paying for a service, you can use a variety of free streaming media servers to stream your online station. Examples include Icecast.org, Quicktime Streaming Server and Peercast.org. These eliminate the need to dedicate a computer to handle streaming your station.

2. Select a quality microphone if you intend to talk on your radio station or record talking segments for the station. If your computer has a microphone built in, you won't need an external microphone.

3. Use the included recording software that comes with the service you select to record and upload content. If you are broadcasting live, you'll need to be connected to the Internet to stream the content live.
   You can also download or purchase recording software. You'll need to find your own software if you choose to use independent streaming services instead of paid services.

4. Create content for your online radio station. If you want to broadcast music, you need to be aware that some music (such as by major-label artists) may come with royalty requirements that need to be paid. Services like Live365.com will cover royalty expenses.
   For this reason, many independent online radio stations that work outside of paid services will focus on unsigned and independent record labels for their music selections. Ask permission before broadcasting a band's music. Most independent bands will be happy to have their music heard.
   Talk-radio format options are endless; your station could be about anything from car care to knitting. Your passions and interests become the content you broadcast.

5. Set up a caller line if you'd like to have callers during recording or live shows. If you choose a paid service such as Live365, you'll have access to creating a caller line.
   Otherwise you can create a low-cost caller line by creating a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) number through services such as Yahoo! Voice or Skype.
   Set up an instant messenger screen name and e-mail address to allow fans and listeners to contact you to have their opinions heard or to make requests.

6. Set up a website to promote your online radio station. You don't have to set up a full website; you can create a profile for your station on popular sites such as MySpace.com and invite people to listen to the station. This will help spread the word about your online radio station.

Tips & Warnings

• Playing major-label or copyrighted music on a radio station without paying royalties or without permission can be against the law. Bandwidth usage can be high for popular online radio stations. The costs for paid hosting services will increase as more listeners tune into the station.