How to Set Up a Radio Broadcast Live over the Internet

Broadcast your favorite topic on the web.

The Internet today allows us to do so many things we never could before the golden age of technology. The way we listen to music, read books and even watch videos has changed. Creating websites to handle live audio webcasting can be a lucrative business, or just a fun hobby. With so many options for people to broadcast online audio, anyone can be a star and you can own the site that allows others to view them.

Things You'll Need

• Headset
• Microphone

Instructions

1. Choose a name for your website. Using an Internet database search feature, type in a web domain name you will want to represent your company on the Internet. Once you have chosen a name that is available for purchase, use a hosting company or domain re-seller to buy the domain. For example, you can buy from directNIC, Go Daddy or HostGator.

2. Find a company to host your new domain. As of October 2010, HostGator offers various hosting packages starting from $4.95 a month. Choose a company that sells website templates, like RocketTheme or Template Monster. Purchase the template you want to use and load it onto the server of the hosting company you have chosen to work with.

3. Create the list of information you want displayed about your company. Include the location such as the address, city, state and ZIP code. Be sure to list your phone number and email address. On the company website, place this information where it can be easily found by those interested in paying you to stream their events on your site. This can lead to revenue generation.

4. Create the website based on the information you have gathered. Create the navigation menu first. Then create the subsections under each main header so you will know where to place all the information. For example, if you create a header called "About Us," this is where you will list an overview of your company, the owners and a timeline of your company history. Create the headers for each section you plan to list on your site. You should include the basic headers, such as "Home," "Listen Live" and "On-Demand."

5. Install an encoder for your website. This is the device that allows your audio shows to be heard on the Internet. The encoder connects to your server and transmits a signal over the website.

6. Download a player device for your listeners to receive your show. The player allows your listening audience to open the file that contains your show and listen to it online. This is also helpful if you decide to create an on-demand play list of programs.

7. Add text features describing the photos or audio shows you have placed on the site. This will let the readers know what they are looking at or viewing. Always use a font selection that is easy to read and doesn't make the page look strange.

8. Setup a broadcast schedule for your shows. This will let people know when they can expect you to be on the air and tune in to listen. Create a list of programming you will be offering so they can schedule when to visit your site.

9. Look over the website to make sure you are pleased with how it looks. Look for the feature button on the template that says "Publish" and click it. This will push your website up for the entire world to view. You should set up a time schedule for when all the updates are made, or as needed. It is always best to keep as much fresh content on the site as possible, as this will entice readers to come back and help you with the search-engine placements and rankings.

References

• Microsoft: Creating an Internet Radio Station
• JavaScript Workshop: Creating an Internet Radio Talk Show