FCC approved

[nc17]

Just wondering if any of you have experience with radio frequencies/signals?

What are the requirements to take over a radio frequency?

I know it's possible with the right equipment. Radio stations can broadcast from different locations right??

I don't see why there isn't a lot of talk on this. I would love to take down commercial radio and play something worth listening to.

[casework]

It's a lot of work. I don't really know the process, and I may be off on something I say, but I've done airtime for my universities radio station, and starting next semester I start my newly acquired position as assistant music director, so here's what I know. Kind of.

You have to get approved to have your own radio frequency, and the process is a long one. I think it can take up to a year to get approved, or maybe more, and once you get your license, it has to be renewed every 7(?) years. To broadcast any considerable range, you need a lot of (big) equipment. My university has our own broadcasting tower or whatever, but we can only broadcast throughout campus, and maybe slightly around the area. I also know that the program instructors, who all work at real radio stations, are in the process of setting up some sort of community run and supported low power FM signal, and they've having a lot of issues with it still. I first heard of the project in August, and it's now December without any updates.

What I would suggest, personally, if you have a lot of interest in the subject, check out information on webcasting, or even just podcasting. If you're on OS X, there are some cool programs that allow you to set on your own stream, and nowadays, podcasting is easier than ever.

[rowlodge]

i mean sent off for a license and got back the paperwork for a small radio station.

it's pretty easy but i remember alot of people were getting on their local cable stations too. which there supposed to provide for free. (a channel)

you ever see those crazy people on them?...but it draws an audience i guess, some are pretty funny and others just town news and stuff.

[phatlip12]

One of my buddies is certified with something to do with the FCC and radio signals. Send me a PM and I'll hook you up with his email address.

[anitab83]

If you have decent money, its easy. But you need equipment, music label royalties (unless you're only playing local indie stuff), advertising (to cover costs), personnel (to get advertising, DJ), etc. This is why so many college stations have gone under over the years