How to Start Your Own Radio Station

If you think you can pick out a better playlist than the disc jockeys at the controls of your local radio stations, starting up a new radio station is the way to go. Starting a traditional radio station is difficult without approval from the Federal Communications Commission. The Internet opens up a whole new door to creating a radio station.

Getting Set Up

Starting an internet radio station requires a computer with a high-speed broadband connection. You will need several different applications to get things off the ground. One application is needed to play your music files. Another is needed to stream the audio feed. You also need an application that functions as a server and sends your radio signal across cyberspace. Broadcasting in an MP3 format will require an additional download of a special .DLL file.

Once you get all the necessary gear, it is time to set up your server. Your streaming needs should account for the potential size of your audience. A larger audience demands faster upstream speeds to stream music at higher audio quality. Using a dedicated radio server is a shortcut to solving streaming issues. Monthly costs are low and such servers can handle a single stream without tying up your internet connection for radio use.

Broadcasting

With your stream up and running configuring your source application comes next. You can either enable a microphone jack or use software to automatically play your playlist. Using a microphone is a better option because you can speak to your listeners and introduce songs.

Before playing songs, you must obtain legal permission from both the artist and the recording company. Acquiring a license through a playlist service can save some time and money spent contacting various record companies yourself. Another alternative is to broadcast music from independent bands under no recording contract or play your own music.

The Internet opens up a whole new avenue to creating a radio station

by John Coon, Auto writer