How To Create An Internet Radio Station
If you’re exploring the idea of starting your own internet radio station, there are a few things to consider before you take the plunge. For example, what will you broadcast? Where will you broadcast? What type of equipment do you need? Do you have to have a license? It may sound like a lot, but once you’ve covered the basics, getting up and running doesn’t have to be a monumental task. To help you on your path to broadcasting glory, we’ve put together a how-to guide to help you create the internet radio station you’ve always dreamed of…
Choose your concept
The first step is figuring out what the purpose of your station is. Do you want to play music? If so, what genre? Talk radio? Will you discuss current events? Politics? Will you have regular announcers/D.J.’s? Many of the decisions you’ll have to make about programming, equipment, staff and more, will depend on what your concept or format is.
Establish your brand
What will you call your radio station? How will you brand it so that you can build an audience that recognizes and remembers your brand? It starts with coming up with the catchy name of your brand and ensuring you are legally allowed to use it. You’ll want to check whether there are existing brands with the same name that may be trademarked. To avoid any issues, you can visit the US Patent and Trademark website to search for similar brands.
Equipment
You don’t necessarily need a bunch of expensive equipment to start your own radio station. Obviously, you’ll need a computer with a reliable internet connection, a non-gaming USB microphone, headphones, a simple mixing console and broadcasting software. Podcasting equipment has some of the fundamental needs for an Internet radio station like those listed on the Broadcast Supply Worldwide website. But you can start small and build your studio into a more sophisticated setup as you go.
Broadcasting source
You’ll need a streaming provider to host your station on the internet. Check out your options and consider the cost, the total listening hours (TLH) each provider offers and whether you will be broadcasting live or pre-recorded content. Streaming providers must have proof of paid licensing fees prior to the allowance of your streaming musical content.
Licensing and legal considerations
You will need a license to play copyrighted music or content, so be sure to check the current copyright laws and music publishing/copyright sites from BMI, ASCAP, AND SESAC, so you don’t get flagged with legal issues. You can also check out sources for royalty free music and content.
Plan your strategy to get heard
There’s no point in creating a radio station if no one is listening. Use social media tools to get the word out and consider joining different social media groups like Live365 Broadcasting on Facebook. You may have the opportunity to not only build your audience, but you can also learn a lot from networking with other radio heads like yourself.
There’s no shortage of options for people to get their news, music and entertainment from, but radio still remains one of the most powerful mediums in media. In a world where people are staying in now more than ever, the power of broadcasting can’t be denied. If you’re interested in exploring a career in the world of Multimedia Production & Broadcasting, check out the programs at International College of Broadcasting (ICB). Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a campus tour.