How to Launch a Community Radio Station in West-Central Florida

Starting a radio station is not as costly as other startups, but it does require some licenses, equipment, and specialized knowledge. To apply for a Low-Power FM (LPFM) license, applicants must be part of the community in which they plan to broadcast.

Non-dramatic public performances

of musical compositions that ASCAP licenses on behalf of its members include, for example, recordings of songs that are broadcast on the radio (other than a complete or substantially complete recording of a dramatic-musical work), songs or background music performed as part of a film or other television program, or live or recorded performances of musical compositions in a bar, restaurant, hotel, store, or other place open to the public. Many small or emerging radio stations opt for limited liability companies or sole proprietorships, while larger radio stations, such as iHeartMedia and other Fortune 500 companies, often choose to be incorporated. Creating an online radio station requires basic recording and editing equipment, including broadcasting software and condenser microphones.

However, broadcasting requires some additional tools. Section 110 (B) provides a limited exemption for certain performances of music in food service, beverage, and retail establishments through radio and television broadcasts. You may want to test the ground with your own podcast or radio show first before expanding to create a full radio station. Digital radio is experiencing its moment and digital radio advertising is a market that is only expected to grow. Before you start launching your own radio station, you must decide on the type of radio station.

The ASCAP radio license does not grant the right to authorize the broadcasting of ASCAP music over loudspeakers in stores, restaurants, or other places open to the public or through standby music playback systems. All applicants for new broadcasting stations and all those who request to change the license of an existing broadcaster must give notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the community where the license is to be granted to the broadcaster. Individual commercial terrestrial radio stations, as well as owners of commercial radio station groups, must log in here. According to Pew Research, about 83 percent of Americans age 12 and older listen to terrestrial radio in any given week. The FCC has a special class of radio licenses called Low-Power FM Radio to create opportunities for more voices to be heard on the radio.