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12 Dec 02 - 01:03 PM (#846031) Subject: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: wilco I've never been gifted with enough good sense to know what I couldn't do, and I've decided to look into the possiblity of opening my own AM radio station here in SE Tennessee (USA). The local university has an NPR affiliated FM station that offers some courses. Where is a good place to start? How about licensing, equipment, and capitol requirements? This would be a "non-profit" venture, with a limited broadcast day, featuring local bands, festival recordings, remotes from local Oprys, etc. |
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12 Dec 02 - 01:07 PM (#846032) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: MMario profit or non-profit I think you will find you are still subject to ASCAP and BMI fees |
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12 Dec 02 - 01:17 PM (#846041) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: wilco MMario. The fees would be an expense. How are they figured? |
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12 Dec 02 - 01:26 PM (#846046) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: Leadfingers I dont know about running radio stations though I did a bit of broadcasting with the Aden Forces Broadscasting Association when I was in the R A F. I would think theres a lot to sort out before you can get started thogh.I wish you lots of good fortune and no serious snags |
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12 Dec 02 - 01:40 PM (#846065) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: MMario ASCAP Fees are here - Can't find a schedule for BMI - but I beleive it's around $50 per month |
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12 Dec 02 - 04:10 PM (#846164) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: tar_heel i suggest a visit to an old-time radio station that has been on the air since february 1948 and still has the old-time,blue grass radio format...it's a clear channel AM radio staion,W P A Q - AM , 10,000 watts,daytime only,located in MT.AIRY,NORTH CAROLINA... contact ralph epperson...336-786-6111...it's the best down home listen you'll ever find anywhere on a radio dial... |
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12 Dec 02 - 04:29 PM (#846181) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: Cluin On the technical side, according to monty Python: "...adapted for radio by putting it onto a board and banging a few nails through it." ;) Good luck. |
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12 Dec 02 - 04:39 PM (#846188) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: M.Ted You need a lot of money to buy a radio station, since all the frequencies and the licenses that go with them are taken already(the "non-profit"" frequencies are generally assigned to educational institutions, and have all been taken, as well)--There is a movement to allow some new low frequency community stations (there have been a number of illegal "guerilla" low frequency stations that have popped up lately)-- Of course, you could set up your own internet radio station, but the ASCAP/BMI licensing fees are really expensive for them--Next best bet is to find a low frequency station and volunteer to do a show-- Probably the best person to talk to around here is our resident seasoned radio pro, Ron Olesko who not only does a wonderful on WFMU-FM, but has been very supportive of all things related to folk music-- |
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12 Dec 02 - 04:42 PM (#846189) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: jimmyt Count me in, Wilco!! Can't wait til your on the air!!! TODD in Dalton |
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12 Dec 02 - 06:18 PM (#846257) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: DougR I suggest that your write the FCC in Washington and pose the question to that agency. Or you may find a lot of information at the FCC website. DougR |
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12 Dec 02 - 06:34 PM (#846273) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: Geoff the Duck Wishing you the best of luck with the idea. If you get it running, will there be any chance for English banjo players who Frail to make a visit? ;¬))) Oh well...... just a thought! Quack! GtD. p.s. Mrs.Duck is overjoyed with her Secret Santa present! |
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12 Dec 02 - 06:44 PM (#846282) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: Bill D M.Ted has noted the crucial part....all available frequencies were assigned a long time ago. Unless you have big $$$ or some influence, it would be a hard row to hoe. Maybe convince a local station to DO some of the type of programming you want. Have you looked at this radio show? for ideas? It is on public radio, which is often more receptive. |
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12 Dec 02 - 09:26 PM (#846373) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: GUEST,FORTUNATO IN VEGAS Wilco48. I hope the above is wrong and you do find a way to pull it off. I don't like hearing that one can't do something that is moral and ethical in the USA. It doesn't seem right. |
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12 Dec 02 - 09:29 PM (#846374) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: Cluin How about an Internet radio station? Might be another option. |
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12 Dec 02 - 10:00 PM (#846396) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: mg I was thinking Internet too. live365.com has ways to do it... mg |
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12 Dec 02 - 10:04 PM (#846400) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: WFDU - Ron Olesko The best way to start is to either hit the lottery or hope a very rich relative remembers you in their will. ASCAP and BMI rates are just a drop in the bucket and the least of your concerns. Joking aside, it is a very expensive proposition, but like anything location determines the price. Most of the radio frequencies have been assigned by the FCC and it is doubtful to find a new frequency in an urban area. You might have some luck in rural areas, but you will need to hire lawyers and do a number of searches and reports. IF you find a frequency you will need to spend a lot of time preparing reports to the FCC - and if someone else is trying for the signal you will have to make a strong case on how you can serve the public. You might find a station that has a license up for renewal, and if you can make a strong case as to why the station is not serving the public you just might be awarded the frequency - but you will have to prove you can do a better job. This route is extremely difficult and rarely works. The best bet is to find that rich relative who isn't looking very good and play up how you were always their favorite niece or nephew. You might find a station that is up for sale, but the price even for a small rural station will probably run in the high six or low seven figures - and no, I'm not counting decimal points. There are a number of outlets where you can find stations that are up for sale, notably Broadcasting and Cable magazine. My station, WFDU-FM (Fairleigh Dickinson University) shares the frequency with WNYU (New York University). The frequency (89.1) was assigned to the United Nations in New York as part of their charter. In the early 70's, the UN decided that it wasn't using the frequency and both universities applied. The FCC using the wisdom of Solomon decided to split the frequency between us. It has actually worked quite well. In recent years the FCC has been tinkering with low powered AM stations. There are AM frequencies that can be operated at low power (just a few miles) and the FCC has been planning to grant licenses to organizations that can use these frequencies to serve their community. I can imagine townships, schools and non-profit groups using them to provide community service. Wilco, I do wish you luck. Anything can happen and it is not impossible. Let me know when I can send you my resume! I would love to have my show air on more than one station! Ron |
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13 Dec 02 - 01:13 PM (#846762) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: wilco Thanks to all. There are lots of old AM stations around here that have gone off the air, because they can't afford to compete with better financed, corporate-owned chains. If I can locate one that's about to fold, wouldn't the equipment and frequency be included in the sale? So far, the only problems mentioned are start-up money and lack of available frequencies. How about ideas on monthly expenses, credentialing for staff, etc.? Wilco in Tennessee |
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13 Dec 02 - 01:40 PM (#846784) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: Ron Olesko A monthly expense would depend on what you are broadcasting. If it is a non-commercial radio station, you will have to figure out where and how your programming will be produced. You may have volunteers, ala Pacifica, or you may pay for programming, ala NPR. You will have operational expenses such as equipment upkeep, electricity, insurance, staff, etc. I'm not sure what you mean by "credentialing for staff". You need to determine what you will be doing with the station to draw up a budget. Ron |
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13 Dec 02 - 03:34 PM (#846872) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: M.Ted Sorry for mis-remembering your call letters, Ron, and thanks for jumping into this discussion-- Wilco48, I just remembered another possibility, and that is to purchase regular airtime from a station and fill it with your own programming--many of the religious and ethnic programs that you hear, particularly on AM, do this, and there are a fair number of stations who work this way--it isn't really vanity radio, you can sell your own advertising and even make a living this way(in fact, years ago, sponsors would buy the airtime and create their own programs)--Barry Reisman, in the Delaware Valley, has done this for many, many years, though he programs all kinds of Jewish music, including Israeli bluegrass-- |
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13 Dec 02 - 03:53 PM (#846886) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: Ron Olesko Yes, buying time from a radio station that sells time is another route. We have a number of stations in the NYC area that do that and as M.Ted points out, some can make a living from it. You might also consider approaching a local non-commercial station with a program idea. This could help you "get your feet wet" and learn a bit more about the operation. No problem about mis-remembering my call letters. WFMU is a good station and if the station is going to be confused, it might as well be confused with a good station! I like WFDU though! :) Ron |
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13 Dec 02 - 06:13 PM (#846941) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: GUEST wilco48 You're not actually going to do this, are you? |
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04 Jan 03 - 11:10 PM (#858945) Subject: RE: I want to start an oldtime radio station From: Jim Dixon Check out KBUX radio, 94.3 FM, 200 watts, Quartzsite, Arizona -- literally a Mom and Pop operation, run by 2 people: Buck and Maude Burdette. If they can do it, why not you? |