If you want to start a community micro radio station, there are a few things you need to consider right at the very beginning.
If you’re thinking of ways to start a community micro radio station, then you’ve come to the right place. Be warned, it ain’t gonna be easy, but nothing worth having ever is easy, is it? Ok, let’s take a look at a few of the things you need to consider before you start a community micro radio station.
- People – Well, it is possible for one person to operate a micro-power station ‘on their oncey’ but it would certainly be a lot of time and effort, and the office Christmas party would be a bit of a ‘non-event’ wouldn’t it? You’re much better off with a small group of like minded people; you need a good people pool for ideas, energy and somebody to fetch the donuts.
- Message – As well as having a good collection of old vinyl records that you want to bore the community with (not everybody likes Elvis), presumably if you want to start a community micro radio station you’ll have something to say. Some service you want to provide. Some deep and meaningful message for the people (well, the people within a few streets anyway).
- Site – I know that ‘traditionally’ you can broadcast from the relative safety of a small bedroom, hiding under your duvet if the ‘radio police’ twig onto your signal, but it’s not really ideal is it? Where would everybody else go? You need to think about this carefully. If you want to start a proper, community micro radio station then you need to be a bit more accessible to the community. Mind you, if you’re planning on being controversial plan a fast getaway route with care.
- A transmitter – Some geeky types can probably build their own from cereal packets and sticky backed plastic, others might prefer to locate one on eBay, whatever your choice (and ability), you’re gonna need one so get shopping or download the instruction leaflet ‘Idiots Guide to Building a Transmitter Using Only Surplus Food Packaging”. Click here.
- An antenna – See above – you might be able to get two leaflets for the price of one, who knows.
- Odds and Ends – That’s a good one isn’t it. It means something probably really important that has been completely forgotten. Like records maybe, or a sound effects department for if you want to read out nightly bedtime stories – gravel tray and coconut shells are absolutely essential for this! Take advice from someone who knows!
Start a Community Micro Radio Station The Right Way
Okay, we’ve had a bit of fun, (well some of us have anyway) but seriously, if you are wanting to start a community micro radio station without having the FCC or the ‘radio police’ on your tail, then you really need to look through all of the official red tape and do the job properly, oh, and don’t forget that you’ll probably need to either win the lottery or rob a bank for the funding.