How to Start a Radio Station Business

If you want to start a radio station business, you will need to pick the ideal location, secure the requirements for the permits and licenses, shop for the equipment, and attend to other matters of the business.

You may need to hire a DJ or you can opt not to have one. Have a business plan so that you can have some sort of guide in the operations.

Do you love listening to the radio? Well, this is an excellent business opportunity for those who have a passion for radio service. Even if you don’t have much experience with radio jobs and tasks, you can easily gather the needed info on the web so that you can also familiarize yourself with the different equipment and tasks. Your very first task is to get the necessary license. You can inquire at the Federal Communications Commission for the application requirements. This will usually include the FCC Form 605 and the passing certificate that will be issued by COLEM or the Commercial Operator License Examination Manager.

What do you want? Radio stations vary. You can focus on playing music or broadcasting news. To make sure that you’re following the right path, you will need to come up with a plan. Create your own business plan. Having a radio show can be costly because you will need someone on the air all the time whereas if you simply play music, you can save some money. With the advances in technology, it is now possible to run a radio station that plays music (e.g. oldies, top hits, etc.) even without a disc jockey. Come up with a unique and easy-to-remember name for your radio station. For instance, you can use at least 3-4 letters plus the frequency so that your potential listeners can easily identify it.

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You will need to get equipment for the station and have it installed. You can shop around if you like so that you can get the best deals. If you still want to hire DJs, you may do so as long as your operating budget permits. Don’t forget to hunt for sponsors. Advertising can help your radio station stay afloat but just make sure that you pick the ads carefully. To ensure that your listeners will stay loyal to your station, you can have contests and quizzes where they can win money or special prizes. You must do this often so that people will stick to your station.

Allow listeners to call your station and make requests. Try to play all the requests because this is also another way of promoting your radio station. You may need a DJ for this tactic so that the phone calls can be answered. It’s not that hard to start a radio station as long as you’ve secured the needed permits and licenses. Find a suitable location and start investing now.

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287 Comments

  • tozama said on February 3, 2010
    how much does it cost to start your own radio station?
  • vladimir ceh said on February 6, 2010
    i wish to start a radio station in Belgrade, Serbia, Balkan, South - East Europe
  • LUMALA JOSIAH said on July 16, 2010
    Am a businessman in Kampala Uganda and want set up a commercial radio station about 40km away from the city centre-Kampala. Please kindly advise Yours faithfully, Lumala Josiah.
  • doyle smith said on July 22, 2010
    i would like to start an old school black radio station in fayettville arkansas...playing soul music grom the 70's 80"s and 90"s
  • Sonya McCray said on September 21, 2010
    i am looking forward to start my radio station in Portland Oregon or Vancouver WA
  • harrish pandey said on January 2, 2011
    i m is the regular radio listener & i'm interested in starting radio channel i stay in india [mumbai] let inform the complete procedure of licensing & about investment
  • Fabian said on January 22, 2011
    Hi your post was very informative. But you failed to mention how much it might cost in equipments. I live in Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa.
  • Anthony Raji said on February 28, 2011
    Hi thanks for this great info but please can I have the costing for equipments of a radio station to cover a state like Kaduna in Northern nigeria population average 5 million. thanks
  • Tarak Parmar said on March 16, 2011
    I am planning to start radio station in Pune, Maharashtra, India, Plz. provide me details of the same as much as possible.
  • Raghunath expert adviser said on March 16, 2011
    @Tarak Parmar, Hello Tarak Parmar, do you know what kind of radio station you want to start?
    • If you want to start a FM radio station in india then you may need more then 10-12 cores, it will be like any major ones that you listen. If you are looking for a internet based radio channel then you will need about 1 crore indian rupees.
    • Equipments require for radio station depends on what kind of station you wish to start.
    • you need a government permission for wireless communication activity, channel(frequency), etc.
    • If you want to start full frequency radio station it is better to get expert guidance in earlier stage

    Raghunath Natarajan
    Startup Biz Hub - Advisor (Staff)

  • Robert King said on April 28, 2011
    Hello Sir, I am planning to set up a FM radio station in Visakhapatnam( Andhra Pradesh). Can you please provide me with the details as how much would it cost to set up one for a radius of 10kms area. Thanks & Regards, Robert King
  • shereperd said on May 4, 2011
    i'm in potchefstroom, south africa and i am planing to to set commercial radio station and i need to know how much i'm gonna spend to get license.
  • KAMYA MIKE said on June 18, 2011
    how much can the equipment for commercial radio cost. Kampala. Nakawa
  • Tejas Satav said on July 27, 2011
    @ Raghu nath pl can we talk 9960339699..my no pl call.
  • orakpor a said on August 2, 2011
    i am a nigeria n i want 2 setup a commercial radio station with a frequency 100km in delta state n how much it will cost. i also want the comprehensive list of equipment need a superb radio station. thanks
  • Ndanu said on August 29, 2011
    Hi I live in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. I hope to start a commercial radio station in the Lake Zone region of Mwanza. In addition to Mwanza I hope to reach listeners in the three countries of East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania). I am seeking to exchange fresh ideas, concepts and experiences. my email address is: lndanu@yahoo.com - Let's chat
  • Raymond said on September 21, 2011
    I represent a radio broadcast equipment manufacturer. For your discrete and turnkey supply,design and installation of your digital FM station do contact me on +233275239974
  • Routwell said on November 6, 2011
    @ Anthony Raji and orakpor a, send us an email to routwell25@hotmail.com with the full details of what u want us to do for u.
  • johnson georgewill said on November 15, 2011
    i want to open a radio station in the city of portharcourt in nigeria. i want to know the cost and the requirements. thank u
  • Adejumo Busayo said on November 25, 2011
    What are the requirements in getting a license and hw much would the set up cost be in Ibadan,Oyo State in Nigeria.thanks
  • irei muriithi said on January 13, 2012
    what is the cost of starting a radio station/Kenya ,kirinyaga county
  • Joy Gracesion said on January 19, 2012
    I would like to start an FM radio station whose range is within 10-12 km. Location: Andhra Pradesh, India
    1) Kindly let me know do you provide any Equipment which matches my requirement(i.,10-12 km)?
    2) What might be the cost of the product?
    3) What sort of the Exams do I need to clear from the Govt Authorities?
    4) The procedure to acquire license in India?
    Your response is highly appreciated.
  • chidioke ogbugo said on January 23, 2012
    I am looking at starting a commercial radio station in port harcourt city,rivers state, nigeria. how much would set up cost be and what are the requirements in getting a license. thanks
  • Thabo said on January 28, 2012
    I'M LOOKING @ STARTING A NON-PROFIT RADIO STATION IN MPUMALANGA SOUTH AFRICA. I WOULD LIKE SOME GUIDE LINES AND SAMPLES ON HOW TO DRAW UP A BUSINESS PLAN FOR THIS. I HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING TO GET A LOCAL SUPPLER FOR THE EQUIPMENT TOO. THANK YOU
  • Raveendran said on February 21, 2012
    i am a retired media person and want to start an internet radio for folk music in Kerala India. Should I need any license for that ?
  • nicolas said on March 26, 2012
    i would like to start my radio station whose rage is 10-14km. location alexandra in johanesburg
  • lakshmikanth said on March 27, 2012
    I wish to start a FM radio station. how much does it cost to start FM radio station? Coverage of all around 50 K.m from station. Pls tell valuable information about this, i Will be thankful you. in Gudivada, krishna District, andhra Pradesh ,Hyderabad.
  • t.sakthivel said on April 1, 2012
    i am a college student after finished my course.i would like to start a radio f.m how many lakhs need to start f.m radio station. tamilnadu
  • LILIAN said on April 14, 2012
    i want to start a radio station in Nairobi KASARANI AREA of about 200k.m what is the cost of commercial license and frequency equipment?
  • nabeelthoufeeque said on April 16, 2012
    i plan to start radio station in malappuram city kerala state, i need necessary information for that
  • DAN said on April 21, 2012
    Hi i would like to start a christian radio station in Nakuru, kenya, please i need ideas and if possible include costs.
  • cetrac(k) said on April 29, 2012
    am planning to start up an fm radio station in my home town kitale, Kenya. There is only one christian oriented radio station serving a population close to one million people, and I would like to start an all round radio station to serve my peoples need in the area. How will I get assistance?? thank you.
  • justine said on May 3, 2012
    i want to start a radio station in my state delta [fm], how much will it cost me. pls call or txt me on +23408098636111 or you can reach me on my e-mail zentelge2002@yahoo.ca.thanks
  • Deepak said on May 4, 2012
    sir, here i am planning to open an fm station in HUBLI(Karnataka, INDIA). so plz help me what will be the next procedure to startup this station in this location. as there is no no FM stations in HUBLI. so i want to establish here.
  • Evangelist Jared Oreto said on May 16, 2012
    I would like to start up a Christian fm radio station in Kenya. Help me please with the ideas on the procedures involved to go through such a program. I will highly appreciate your help please. Thanks.
  • habib said on May 25, 2012
    hello, i would love to ran a radio station in kenya and would kindly ask to know how to go about it. if anyone is interested then we can as well share the costs and start the business.thanks
  • Stephen said on June 11, 2012
    Hi my name is Stephen I want to open the community radio station in Lesotho Maputsoe aria. The radio equipment should be the affordable one, I need to get the estimated prices and the sample of the business plan. regards S mputi
  • Paul j said on July 2, 2012
    I reside in Kaduna State of Nigeria and wish to start an FM radio station in the state to cater for the music needs of all ages. I need to know what it would take to start off in terms of the equipments needed, estimated cost, procedures etc.
  • Dr Richard Salunoka said on July 6, 2012
    I hold a bachelors degree in theology, masters degree in ministry and PhD in missiology. I am based in Zambia, Lusaka and we are requesting if you can help us set up a christian radio station. Please advise and God bless you.
  • Adebola Oligbi said on July 18, 2012
    I want to start a radio station in Ogun state. I would like to know the costs for start up and the best dealers for the radio equipments. Thanks
  • Vaibhav Suri said on July 18, 2012
    I want to open a God (Top Secret)discourses Radio Station in Delhi. Please suggest me on the costing and procedures. Please feel free to call me on 9990664396
  • Raphael kioma said on July 19, 2012
    Hello. This is a great platform to learn what is expected in this industry that is growing at a higher rate. May I know the contacts of @cetrac(k) from Kitale. We need to strategies on how Kitale,Kenya can have a conclusive radio station. Please Cetrac communicate
  • Kabonso Japhet said on July 24, 2012
    Am looking for a an organisation that can help provide equipment for a non commercial community radio station in Chama, a remote non developed district in North-East Zambia. All the licenses for the establishment of this radio station called Kwenje Community Radio Station have been obtained from Government. Any one with some information that can help should feel free to email jkabonso@gmail.com
  • Ajeesh .k said on August 1, 2012
    I WANT TO START A FM NONE PROFITABLE RADIO STATION IN INDIA KERALA, BORDER OF KERALA KASARGOD DIST PLZ GIVE MME GUIDE LINES
  • Lerato said on August 1, 2012
    I am from South Africa Mpumalanga Balfour and Would like to start a Radio station can you kindly tell us how much is the licensing and equipment
  • Siphelele Xaba said on August 2, 2012
    Hi, i'm from Harding, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and i would like to start a radio station there that will broadcast in Harding and surrounding places. I would like to know how much is the license, equipment and also what should i need to start an online radio? How could i get a business plan template for radio? Thanks.
  • pratik s. chandekar said on August 5, 2012
    hi sir, I'm pratik s. chamdekar and I am interested in starting commercial fm radio channel, with Coverage of all around minimum 60 K.m radius from station. I stay in india [chandrapur] let inform the complete procedure of licensing, radio equipments & about investment. please help me, thanks sir
  • justice nteyi said on August 8, 2012
    hi i'd like to start a radio station for most tertiary institutions in kzn south africa. for now i'm still researching on how to start and costs and stuff like that it would be of great help if i'd be assisted by a professional at this field. thank you.
  • Mark masihi said on August 13, 2012
    Ours is an we want to start an FM station in Delhi. Plz guide
  • malwande said on August 15, 2012
    Hi i want to open a radio station here in Kayamandi Stellenbosch but i need help financial and i also need more info how to open your radio station
  • krishnananda said on August 16, 2012
    how to start a FM STATION in our town can u please explain the procedure to start and all the regulations to be completed, Our town is very few distance to green city of BANGALORE can we take the license from them so please explain the procedure. HINDUPUR, ANANTAPUR, ANDHRAPRADESH, INDIA
  • sunday jerry said on August 21, 2012
    i my sunday jerry i work with insurance. I luv listen 2 radios i like 2 have mine. Lagos is my resident. How do i start.
  • Mohamud Aden Osman said on September 12, 2012
    I want to start Radio station at habasweyne in kenya where there is no single FM. I want to take this opportunity to urbanize the local people around there
  • Thabiso said on September 15, 2012
    I live in Logagane village, Mafikeng, North west, South Africa, i would like to start a radio station for those people who live in the villages because around this areas we face a challenge of not getting clear signal from those radio stations. i would like to know how much will it cost to start it and the cost for licensing, and i need financing help or donations and professional advise
  • ajeesh.k said on September 15, 2012
    i am ajeesh i wish to make small fm radio station in kerala ,of max 10 km or 5 km radius i want to know more how i get license etc etc kindly plz help .....
  • Rajesh said on September 21, 2012
    guys opening up a radio station is often a big deal but opening up a internet based radio station is not a big deal you can have your own internet based radio station with out any license by having a free server the cost is only for your domain that nearly cost you Rs1500 per year, and i think per year every one can afford. after you have a domain name you can sign up for a free server . for more details you can watch the free tutorials in youtube.com . I too am having my online internet based radio station called as www.radiotadka.com presently it runs at a limit time 9:00pm to 12pm but soon we gonna be 24*7 . and if you wanna pay server . Indian guys can logon to globaliway.com for more details. its like you have to pay per month according to your plan. the best one is 2000 per month server. if you get this server you can also play your online radio on mobile phones tooo having internet in it . Guys before you implement anything please refer youtube it gives lots of knowledge by which we can not be fooled by any one.
  • dr preethesh said on September 24, 2012
    Hi i'm from kerala. i am planning for a fm station for music in my town. can anyone tell me the licensing requirements and approx cost for the whole setup for 10 km .thank u
  • Vijay said on September 27, 2012
    Hi... i wanted to know regarding Business Plan for starting up FM Radio Station Entrepreneurship in Hubli-Dharwad Twin City...!! please can you give me full pledged idea regarding this Business Plan...:) so, that it helps me in proceeding further for Execution. Thanks In Advance, Vijay Menasinakai
  • chandu said on September 27, 2012
    Dilsukhnagar, i want to open a FM radio station in dilsukhnagar, how much money Required plz advice sir
  • samuel sundar said on October 2, 2012
    i am samuel from chennai. wanted to start a fm radio station exclusively for Christians.
    please guide me for that.
    1.budget
    2.permissions
    3.people to work for
    4.any consultancy who can help me in,to start the fm radio station.
    thanks sam
  • Tanuj Soni said on October 8, 2012
    Hi i'm from madhya Pradesh . i am planning for a fm station for music in my town Damoh . can anyone tell me the licensing requirements and approx cost for the whole setup for 10 km .thank u
  • S.K.Arya said on October 10, 2012
    I want to start a FM radio station in ambala ,haryana, please guide me about it & what is minimum expense to run it with music. Kindly let me know about it as early as possible. Thanks & regards.
  • Mr David Dixon said on October 13, 2012
    I live in Britain, london, Croydon. I want to start a Internet Radio Station and i would like to know what equipment to buy and how much it will cost me.
  • A. M.Berhe said on October 15, 2012
    I live in Juba, South Sudan. I want to establish an FM radio. How much is the initial cost? should I use the internet based FM radio? what is the best available technology? the radius I want to broadcast is not more than 50Kms.
  • martin said on October 15, 2012
    Am interested in starting fm radio station at kapsokwony town, Bungoma county, Kenya. How much will it cost me in terms of equipment and frequency license. please advice.
  • mallik arjun said on October 17, 2012
    i would like to establish a fm radio station, pl reply what is d minimum and maximum investment, what is the procedure, subsidies, financiers and project report etc please
  • st jude womensgroup said on October 18, 2012
    we would like to start a fm station in masaka, 158 km from kampala. Our main interest is what the full set of the equipment to set up the radio with a radius of 40 km. Thanks.
  • mallik arjun said on October 24, 2012
    i am looking for guidance to start a fm radio station in andhra pradesh , will you guide/choose consultant / web sites in helping me please
  • V.Jayadharan said on October 25, 2012
    I would like to start an fm radio station of 10km radius at Chathannoor, Kerala, India. Please give me guidelines about setting up the project.
  • anu said on October 26, 2012
    Sir, I am very much interested in starting up a new radio station in kannada language. i want to know the full details of investment along with help from agency it may be of like turn key project. also any agency is dealing with this ? kindly assist anu
  • pavan said on October 29, 2012
    please tell the requirements of a place where business can be started i.e; minimum population, broadcast capacity to spread all over the place, minimum area of place
  • BENEDICTO PASCAL said on November 2, 2012
    Hey! what's up? its very interested to study this website. but i would like to get a quotation of full digital radio station through my E-mail. thanks
  • SONU NANDESHWAR said on November 10, 2012
    Hello sir. I am interested in starting FM radio station in india(maharashtra-bhandara and gondia district), with coverage around minimum 100 km radius from station. I start up radio channel for business and some public services. So I want your help and suggestion for start up. please tell me how much money required? procedure and other every information. Because I have not any information about it. SO PLEASE. SIR.
  • Ramesh said on November 12, 2012
    Hi, I would like to start an FM radio station in Andhra Pradesh, India, Could you please share me the detailed information. Thanks
  • Ahmad Nawaz said on November 18, 2012
    Hi i would like to start an fm radio station in khushab, pakistan with coverage minimum around 100km from station So i want your help and suggestion for start up please tell me how much money required? Procedure and other information please
  • tijan said on November 18, 2012
    i want to start radio station and i want to know how much it will cost me for equipment plus installation
  • sboniso said on November 23, 2012
    i'm the guy who want to start a community radio station i'm in south africa town durban, where to start and how much must i budget for it?
  • b rambabu said on November 27, 2012
    I would like to start an fm radio station of 10km radius at khammam, a.p, India. Please give me guidelines about setting up the project. what is cost, from where we can get equipments for it.
  • tishad said on November 28, 2012
    i want start fm radio station Bangladesh. If i start it how money cost it. Plz give me ans
  • Dinesh Koyande said on December 3, 2012
    Sir. I am CEO of one of the leading production house in mumbai... we want to start marathi radio station in mumbai only... I want to know about costing, permissions, people to work for the same or any consultancy who can help me in, to start the fm radio station. Thanks
  • charles said on December 3, 2012
    I intend to establish a christian radio station in Nairobi Kenya. How can i go about it at a minimum cost effective basic equipment that can run a radius of 50kms? Thanks
  • Hari said on December 5, 2012
    haii...sir, i am hari. i am very eager to start fm station in Andhra Pradesh, India. range of 10-12 km. how i get license and equipment , how much money i required and any guidance sites.plzzz
  • dr hashmi said on December 5, 2012
    hello. sir i want to set a radio station in mau nath bhanjan plz tell me min requirement
  • KARTHIK said on December 6, 2012
    HELLO SIR I AM FROM NIZAMABAD AND OUR TEAM WOULD LIKE TO START A FM STATION RANGING AROUND 10KM SO PLEASE SUGGEST ME THE COST OF EQUIPMENT AND COST OF GETTING LICENSE FROM AUTHORITIES.
  • brijesh pal said on December 8, 2012
    Sir I wish to start a new FM radio station for commercial purpose. I have a keen interest to establish one. But I have no much idea about the procedure and license taking procedure. so please guide and help in establishing one.
  • akram said on December 9, 2012
    yes i am interested to start a fm station.
  • sivaji said on December 11, 2012
    i am interested to start a FM station.in ap ...
  • mahesh k said on December 12, 2012
    Sir I want develop free radio station in my local town
  • narasimha raja said on December 19, 2012
    i would start fm radio business in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. What are the procedure to start the FM. What might be the cost for this ?
  • narasimha raja said on December 19, 2012
    what are the procedure to get the license and procedures to follow to open the Commercial Radio in Andhrapradesh and Karnataka states in India.
  • narasimha raja said on December 19, 2012
    What are the procedure / License to get open the General Tutorials in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka state in India ?
  • narasimha raja said on December 21, 2012
    @Tejas Satav @narasimha raja AND ANY INTERESTED PEOPLE. START UR STATION IN TOO MUCH LOW COST.
  • murali said on December 22, 2012
    hi i would like to get the franchise of any FM at kurnool, andhra pradesh, can i get the details like process and also investment.
  • Joseph Akiri said on December 25, 2012
    I stay in Lagos Nigeria. I already have a Christian magazine in circulation but I'd love to start a Christian radio station to further preach the gospel through live radio messages, music, devotionals etc what do I need to know and do to get started in terms of cost, workforce, equipments and so on. Pls, I'd like to hear from u shortly. Thank a lot.
  • Vishwanath said on December 26, 2012
    I have business plan to open FM radios at Bangalore and Hyderabad. Kindly send suggestions to bookingtoday@gmail.com
  • Hunk beginner adviser said on December 26, 2012
    Guys setting up a FM Radio station overall the bud-jet would be 11-12 crores

    Radio Station Business Expert

  • tehseen khan said on December 28, 2012
    I have business plan to open FM radios at my location (rajasthan , hanumangarh town and Hyderabad. Kindly send suggestions to tehseen3055@gmail.com
  • mark said on December 30, 2012
    i am in Ghana and want to set up a radio a radio station covering 20km radius. What simple equipments can i use in addition to a computer and a mixer without spending more than 2000 us dollars
  • Sam said on December 31, 2012
    sir i want to start a FM station in hubli ,karnataka . plz tell me the full details & how much it costs?
  • G.Anuradha said on January 2, 2013
    Am Interest to Start a business in radio station in jesus with christian channel in andhra pradesh this is my plane only this is full glory and god grace channel how to start i don't know am new in this platform and please guide me to start my jesus radio station in ap, hyderabad and tel me cost also am waiting your supporting reply thank u have give me a chance to ask my doubts.

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