I need information about how to start an FM Radio Station?
I need information about how to start an FM Radio Station?
We are located in the state of Washington, USA.
What needs to be done? What does it involve? Can you recommend any reading materials?
FM Radio stations normally uses a commercial band or commecial frequency.
the frequency is allocated to a person or coporation by a government body (FCC) through a legislative franchise. I am not sure how long a franchise would last in the US, but it is around 20 yrs or more. The franchise would need to be legislative in nature meaning, congress would need to pass a bill for the frequency, or congress has allowed the FCC to allocate the frequency to it’s franchisee.
At this time, I would think that the FM band would be full and no franchise would be available, unless a franchise holder exits or allows someone else to use the rights to the franchise.
If you think you have a shot at a franchise then go ahead and secure that franchise from the FCC.
The rest would be technical stuff like locating your stations, the transmitter and FM Booths. If your station would be in one area then your equipment sets would be less, if your FM booth is away from the transmitter area then you would need to have an exciter and even a microwave link for the two sites, line would work but would be expensive.
You would need to work on your equipment. The transmitter would be the huge capital area next to the franchise and normally the FCC would guide you on how strong your transmitting power would be.
I guess your are researching this for your paper or homework.
Get in touch with broadcast engineers for more idea on what equipment you need.
I had done some research on this topic before when a small handful of people and I started a "radio club" at my high school. Unfortunately, I don’t recall the specifics, but our biggest hurdle was cost. It costs tens of thousands of dollars. If you have a site in mind, you would need to hire somebody to determine if the area is suitable for radio transmission. Some locations are very difficult to broadcast from.
I recommend looking at the FCC website, as well as the FAA website. The FAA has their own requirements of radio stations, since the antennas extend so high upward. I know they require very strict maintenance of the flashing red bulb, including a status check several times per day.
References :
You should contact the Federal Communications Commission.
References :
FM Radio stations normally uses a commercial band or commecial frequency.
the frequency is allocated to a person or coporation by a government body (FCC) through a legislative franchise. I am not sure how long a franchise would last in the US, but it is around 20 yrs or more. The franchise would need to be legislative in nature meaning, congress would need to pass a bill for the frequency, or congress has allowed the FCC to allocate the frequency to it’s franchisee.
At this time, I would think that the FM band would be full and no franchise would be available, unless a franchise holder exits or allows someone else to use the rights to the franchise.
If you think you have a shot at a franchise then go ahead and secure that franchise from the FCC.
The rest would be technical stuff like locating your stations, the transmitter and FM Booths. If your station would be in one area then your equipment sets would be less, if your FM booth is away from the transmitter area then you would need to have an exciter and even a microwave link for the two sites, line would work but would be expensive.
You would need to work on your equipment. The transmitter would be the huge capital area next to the franchise and normally the FCC would guide you on how strong your transmitting power would be.
I guess your are researching this for your paper or homework.
Get in touch with broadcast engineers for more idea on what equipment you need.
References :