How much would it cost to have your own television channel?

Answer 1

It all depends on how you classify a television channel. A single studio for one of the major broadcasters is likely to cost many millions of dollars. The transmission and broadcast suites and equipment can add millions more. This budget give you the option of spending $100,000 on a single camera.

A small community channel with a lower power analog transmitter can be on the air for tens of thousands of dollars with older equipment, limiting facilities and the scope of programming. Any channel that is broadcast over terrestrial, cable or satellite systems will need to comply with state or national regulations and licensing. It is a minefield that is different for every country and the regulations stop most would be broadcasters from ever lighting up the "on air" light.

There is a new breed of channel that is purely internet based. They rarely need licensing, can operate on restricted hours with a specialist interest and need only the most basic equipment. A studio that would have cost $100,000 ten years ago can be set up for just a few thousand dollars. It's still outside the scope of a high school student with a part time job, but it's something that can be achieved without a big company behind it.