Frequently Asked Questions
Q). I do not have any experience in the industry. Can I still set up a radio station?
A) Starting a radio station is better learned on the job. In our experience, people with no experience in the radio station business have fared better by practicing radio broadcasting for a weeks time in a simulated environment than people with some experience and prejudices. For us, a majority of people who start a radio station are the ones who had no prior experience and could therefore learn things rationally rather than on concepts borrowed from some teaching school.
Q) Isn’t starting a radio station, a very costly affair?
A) Radio station business is mostly classified as a “small business” as per industry norms. However many people think it would cost a lot to set up because it reaches out to a large geography.You could start your own radio station for much less than what is generally perceived by many a starters. Many small business owners, schools, small communities and churches own a radio station and that should be a good indication of the kind of expenses we are talking about.
Q) What if I have very little funds not even enough to start a small business?Can I still own a radio station ?
A) You have the following options:
1) Starting low and scaling it up as you grow.
2) Raising funds from investors.
Q) I am a non techie. Doesn’t it require a lot of technical knowledge to create radio station?
A) Majority of people that we have helped create radio station including me come from a non technical background. Fine, if you know the technicalities. If you do not know – leave them to be best handled by the engineers. The radio station owner can just be happy with common sense.
Q) I don’t know how or where to get started to launch a radio station
A)Reading through all the free resources posted on our site would be a good place to start. You could even start with our book titled “A step-by-step guide to start a commercial radio station”. This book will hand hold even a beginner and guide him through the entire process right from the very beginning in Just 50 pages of to-the point content.
Q) Do I have to hire consultants to build a radio station?
A) Consultant could be hired for varied purposes. A start up consultancy can be further broken down into legal, technical, financial, production, promotion or Human resource consultancy. It is practically very difficult to start a radio station without hiring a consultant. However the more you can handle without a consultant, the better it would be. You would start knowing your radio station much better if you handle a large part of your start up on your own. This is where our books, publications etc. will come handy for you.
Q) What if there are no frequency available in my area for applying for a license ?
A) This scenario is likely only if you are trying to enter into a super competitive broadcast zone. However as on date, there are very few places in the world where frequencies would not be available to start a radio station. The availability of frequency is determined by doing a frequency search in the area and is easily completed in a fortnights time. You can immediately check the scenario of your location by using Radio-Locator.
A) If there is an availability of frequency and the applicant takes proper care to comply to all the norms laid down in the application form, there is no reason why some he should not get a license . The idea here is to know your limitations before hand and then be prepared with alternatives that would be acceptable to your licensing authority. A) There are two kinds of equipments required for a radio station – studio equipments & transmission equipments. The costing depends on a variety of factors. Nevertheless these days equipment cost has gone down drastically as most of the functions have been replaced by software programs which do a better job at a cheaper price. (some software can also be used for Free) All this is discussed in detail in separate posts under the technical category of our free resources section. A) A minimalistic studio can be set up in a space of as less as a 1000 sq ft these days. Besides you will require an open space to erect an antennae. If you do not have this space, you will have to look out for options of taking the space on lease. A) If you are lucky enough you can set up a radio station in 2 months time. It could well extend up to 15 months or longer in some cases. A) This is a one stop resource center for all your start up needs. Our vast resources should serve handy for any one planning to start a radio station. Should you need some personal hand holding about any thing, we have listed with us the names and addresses of start up consultants from across the globe. We would love to connect you to the most suitable consultant as per your need. A) The services are absolutely free from our end. Should you decide to take the services of any consultant,We simply act as a directory of consultants.Its purely up to you to decide whether you would want the services from any particular consultant. All the service terms including the price is to be mutually decided between you and the consultant. A) Write to us at bhaskar@familypsalms.com
with all your credentials, previous experience of handing radio station start ups and at least two references from known Industry sources. We would then get back to you for a brief skill assessment exercise. A) Read thorough our posts and books and chances are that it will answer your query. You can alternatively write to us at support@familypsalms.com
. We will surely get back to you.Q) What if I don’t get a license for broadcasting ?
Q) What are the equipments required for starting a radio station? How much does it cost ?
Q) I do not have access to a large space to build a radio station. How much space do I minimally require ?
Q) How long does it take to set up a radio station ?
Q) What does this resource center offer to entrants for a new station?
Q) How much do you charge for all this service ?
Q) I am a radio station consultant. How do I list with you ?
If you meet our criteria, we would love to have you on board as a listed consultant.Q) I have more questions. What should I do?
