How to Start a Radio Station in New York

You can create your own FM station or broadcast your show over the Internet.

If you live in New York and can't find a radio station that plays the music you want to hear or are an aspiring radio DJ, you can start your own radio station. You can create a local FM station, a commercial FM station or stream online. To start a radio station, you must not only decide a theme and name, but also obtain the proper licenses through the Federal Communications Commission (the FCC), pay fees, build a studio, buy the proper equipment and promote your station.

Things You'll Need

• Music
• License forms
• Studio equipment
• Studio

Instructions

1. Decide what type of music you want your radio station to play. You can choose a specific genre, time period, musical group or just current hit music.

2. Choose a name for your radio station. Make it catchy, original and relating to the type of music you want to play.

3. Decide what type of radio station you want. You can have a "low power FM" station, which covers up to a 10-mile radius, a "full power FM" station, which has the same frequency as commercial stations, or stream online.

4. Read the FCC Radio and Broadcast Rules to make sure your radio station follows them.

5. Fill out a license application with the FCC and pay any fees. You can find the application on the FCC's website and fill it out online or mail it in.

6. Buy the necessary equipment and build the studio. Most studios require broadcast transmitters, receivers, microphones, headsets, audio consoles, computers and sound-proofed walls.

7. Advertise your radio station. Create a website, print and distribute flyers, post ads on social networking websites, email your friends and family about it and place an ad in your local newspaper.

References

• FCC: How to Apply for a Broadcast Station
• FCC: Radio and Television Broadcast Rules
• Mulcher Broadcasting: Station Types