One of the disadvantages of this system is that you have to accept any disturbance from a higher powered radio station.

The key is to find the purest static channel. Make sure there aren’t other voices or sounds lingering in the background. If there are a couple “clean” stations in a row, then you’re in good shape. If you live in a metropolitan city like Chicago or L. A. , you will have trouble finding a station like this. You can do a quick check by visiting radiospark. org/rfree for a search of available stations in your area.

Hang the flyers around town and in community active spots like a coffee shop, library, or a venue space. If the station becomes popular, it is legal to profit from advertisements. Say on the flyer, “What do you want to hear on the radio?” in big bold letters, and then explain what your station does.

These are goals to strive for with a mission statement: to make it memorable, credible, inspirational, and simple. [3] X Research source Take a look at some mission statements for nonprofit organizations online. Here’s an example from the station AshevilleFM: “At AshevilleFM, we’re reflecting and adding to the rich stew of arts, culture and community involvement that is Asheville. We’re bringing music, news, and the unusual to the airwaves at 103. 3FM here in Asheville while having a global reach through our online stream with over 1. 7 million hits a month. "

There are many websites that allow you to make a fundraising pitch online.

Consider getting used audio equipment from craigslist or other music posting websites.

If you are first starting out, a computer will cut down on a lot of your audio costs. You can upload your radio show as a podcast or as an internet radio station with a computer.

There are options if you don’t want to deal with audio equipment. You can invest in a USB microphone that goes directly into your computer. These mics have been continuing to grow and offer a range in quality. Consider getting help from a tech-savvy friend if you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed.

If you went with the USB microphone, you don’t need to worry about this step. You’ll also need one or two sets of headphones depending on how many people plan to talk. For future endeavors, you should have two headphones or more. If you use multiple headphones, you will also need a headphone splitter.

For a cleaner signal, shop for a mono transmitter opposed to a stereo transmitter. Some transmitters come with an antenna, but these models aren’t as powerful or reliable.

You can also purchase a custom antenna, tuned to your radio frequency. Check out radio brandy for custom antennas: http://www. radiobrandy. com/FMAntenna. html

Plan for a week of broadcasting and choose certain programs for individual days. Consistency is important for programs to develop a following. The key to planning programs is that each show is exciting in some way. When in doubt, throw on a catchy playlist.

When the microphone is turned off, you can listen to the radio in the same room.

The FCC rarely opens applications for licenses for low powered FM stations. If they do anytime soon, you can take the steps to become licensed and upgrade your transmitter to a more powerful device. Once you begin broadcasting your show, you can also stream your show in a podcast form or even as an internet radio show.