How hard is it to start a radio station?

[Dawgs]

How much would it cost?
Who can I call?

At this point I don't care if it's AAR or not. I just want a liberal radio presence in this town.

Any ideas on what we can do?

[CottonBear]

1. Low power FM is a possibility. I don't know much about it.

It is a type of very localized FM broadcasting. Many use it as a sort of public access radio. You may have to Google for more information.

[wyldwolf]

2. very hard

Fist, there has to be an available frequency in your area or you'll have to hire a firm to find one elsewhere. Lotsa money.

Then the CP will cost you bucks.
Then the building permits.
Then the engineering.
Then the equipment, studio space, etc.

Simply put, its one of those "if you have to ask you can't afford it" things.

But here is a guide. Ignore the source. The info is correct:

http://www.christianradio.com/sterling/steps.html

[xzyra]

3. yes, very hard

Watched my really close friend go through the process - it was long and very difficult. He was trying to get our college station on the air. Lots and lots of paper work. Can be done, though.

[wyldwolf]

4. yes, can be done

I worked in radio for about 15 years and watched stations go up at a cost of millions.

A friend of mine (we're in GA) got a CP for, if I remember correctly, $75,000 but could never secure the financing to actually build and go live. He wound up selling it for about $300,000 plus a job at the new station.

I was also involved in trying to get a power increase for my college station and even THAT was a major headache.

[Lost in ATL]

5. Atlanta Progressive Talk meetup

A meetup has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 26th from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in Norcross Georgia for those interested in activism on behalf of progressive talk for Atlanta. For more information or to RSVP, go to http://airamericaradio.meetup.com/174/

[Casper]

6. We have a great Progressive Radio station in Atlanta!

WRFG 89.3FM - Radio Free Georgia. Check them out.

Here is the schedule

It may not be all you'd like it to be, but it's there and has been for years. If enough people listen, join, and participate maybe they will add more talk programming.

[RT Atlanta]

8. Want to second this one

I listen to RFG a lot and have become a big fan (much more so that WABE). Plus, these guys carry the awesome "Good morning Blues" progam each weekday.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

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[mbillard1979]

9. Yes it's a lot of money to open up a radio station

But you could always get sponsors or investors that could help you with some of the up front costs.