The First Steps towards Starting a Community Radio Station

Compiled by the Staff of NFCB and

the Center for Native American Public Radio

1. Conduct a frequency search.  You must find out if there are any frequencies available.  The quick and dirty way is to run through the dial on your radio and see if there is space.  Ultimately you will have to hire an engineer.  NFCB can suggest several engineers to help.  Approximate cost:  $500.00.

2. Form a Board of Directors and incorporate as a non-profit organization, or find a non-profit organization which is willing to sponsor/house you.

3. With the Board, determine the need(s) for a radio station in your community and the mission of the station.

4. Find a tower or another place to put your antenna.

5. Start raising money.

6. Apply for a license from the FCC.  We recommend that you use a communications attorney for this process.  We can supply names.

7. Become a member of NFCB and start receiving benefits.

8. Find studio space.

9. Keep raising money.

10. With your Board, begin to outline as many policies as you can.  Think about: Volunteer management; underwriting policies; employment policies.  Think about Programming and programming policies.  What kinds of programs do you want?  Who will do them?  How will you find them?  Do you need to train them?  How will you change programming?  How will new programs get on the air?  Who will do program evaluations?

Think about bringing someone from NFCB to conduct planning session with your Board.

11. Raise more money.

We estimate that it will cost $200,000 just to get the station on the air, and a minimum of $100,000 per year to operate the station.

National Federation of Community Broadcasters

1970 Broadway,

Suite 1000

Oakland, CA94612

510 451-8200

www.nfcb.org

                Low Power FM                  A New opportunity to "Be the Media"

What is Low Power FM?

LPFM is licensed non-commercial FM radio stations up to 100 watts.

Who is elgible to apply?

All bona-fide non-profit organizations, governments (including tribes), schools and religious organizations. 501(c)(3) status is NOT required.

How do I apply?

The FCC will open a one-week filing "window" some time in the coming months -- perhaps as early as the second half of 2011.

Why start getting ready to apply now?

This will be the first opportuity in ten years to apply for an LPFM station. It might be another ten years before the next one. For the strongest application, it's a process that takes some time.

Isn't Radio dying?

Not really. While the internet, smart phones, and MP3 players have reduced the time spent with TV and newspapers, radio listenership has been nearly steady. News and information-oriented non-commercial radio is actually increasing its audience. 92% of Americans listen to radio each week. Savvy broadcasters will make their programming available on multiple platforms.

What is the FEE?

There is no application fee.

Other Expenses?

You may need an engineer and/or attorney -- but not always. CMAP and other organizations can help keep your application costs to a minimum.

Are there any frequencies left?

Away from major cities -- generally yes. Inside major cities -- sometimes. Don't give up without checking.

What are my chances?

With the right application strategy -- excellent! CMAP and other organizations can help.

What kind of coverage can I expect?

For 100 watt stations -- about a 3.5 mile radius, on average. With favorable terrain, good antenna height, good receivers, and a little luck, your coverage may be much greater.

How many LPFMs are on the air?

832, nationwide, at last count.

Are the FCC rules being changed?

Yes. Congress is expected to relax the interence protection requirements this year (the so-called "third adjacent" channels). The FCC will then relax their rules to follow suit. This will open up more channels. Other FCC rule changes, expected next year, may further increase the number of available channels.

Competing Applicants?

These will be decided based on a Points System. Those that are local, have been local and active for two years, pledge to operate at least twelve hours a day, and pledge to do at least eight hours of local programming a day, will get the most points. Tied applicants can voluntarily (or may be forced to) share the frequency.

How long will we have to build the station?

You will have three years to build the station and to go on the air.

What is the cost to build an LPFM station?

Very variable. Costs can start at just a few thousand dollars. Some stations are just an IPOD in a closet, which is perfectly legal. Others are ore elaborate wtih full studios, paid staff and volunteers. You can start small.

On-going support?

Most stations raise operating funds using a combination of grants, on-air underwriting, membership donations, major donors, and events.

What is CMAP?

CMAP reaches out to community groups who might be interested in applying for non-commercial radio stations. We assist groups ghrough the process leading up to an FCC grant, and offer referrals to a potpourri of other helpful organizations and professionals. There is no charge for CMAP's services.

CONTACT INFO COMING SOON

UPDATED EXPIRING CPs (through 2012)- UPDATED 12-09-2011