| While the information in this guide deals with a | | | | air. When it comes to the equipment, there are a |
| New Zealand example, many of the points are | | | | few specialist items you will require. These include |
| relevant in other countries. | | | | the transmitter and antenna system, a limiter / |
| When you come to setting up or starting up a FM | | | | compressor, a unit to balance the audio, as well as |
| radio station, you have two very different | | | | a device to enable you to take phone calls on air. |
| options. The first choice is to apply for a full | | | | In addition, ideally your station will also have a |
| power commercial FM license. This type of license | | | | mixing desk, microphones, headphones, CD player, |
| allows you to broadcast over a large area. The | | | | audio cables, a computer system and radio |
| drawbacks with a full power FM license are that it | | | | automation software. You will also need licenses |
| is often a complicated process, that no frequency | | | | from APRA and RIANZ that cover your music |
| may be available in the area you wish to | | | | royalty responsibilities. For the most basic setup |
| broadcast, and that ongoing fees apply. | | | | however, it is possible to make do with simply the |
| Another option is to starting up a low power FM | | | | transmitter and antenna system and your music |
| radio station. In New Zealand, there are no | | | | licenses. |
| ongoing fees to operate this type of station - | | | | In New Zealand, people broadcasting on a low |
| however you do need to pay nominal annual fees | | | | power FM basis must use transmission equipment |
| to APRA and RIANZ for music royalties. You do | | | | that meets spurious emission limits, and which has |
| need to ensure however that your transmission | | | | a maximum power output of 500mW. While this |
| equipment is compliant with Radio Spectrum | | | | is a fraction of the power that a full power |
| Management regulations. Additionally, as is the | | | | commercial radio station would broadcast at, |
| case with any radio station, all your broadcasts | | | | provided you have a good site and the antenna is |
| need to comply with the Broadcasting Act. | | | | mounted correctly, you can enjoy coverage of up |
| Fundamentally this means your broadcasts must | | | | to 10 square kilometres. The frequencies you |
| be in good taste. The advantages that a low | | | | may broadcast on are 88.1 - 88.7 FM and 106.7 - |
| power FM radio station have over a commercial | | | | 107.7 FM. The factor that has the greatest |
| station is that is is much less expensive to set up | | | | influence on how far your broadcast will go is the |
| at the outset, your likelihood of finding a suitable | | | | height of your antenna - the higher, the better. |
| frequency are much higher, and there are far | | | | It is also necessary to consider the following |
| fewer ongoing costs. | | | | points: |
| When operating a low power FM station, you | | | | - determine that the likely broadcast area of your |
| need to determine who your audience is. If you | | | | station will not interfere, or receive interference, |
| are broadcasting in an area where there are | | | | from other people broadcasting on low power FM |
| already a number of resident commercial stations, | | | | freqencies in your area. |
| you may enjoy more success by broadcasting | | | | - you must ensure that your broadcast signal is |
| niche programming that appeals to an audience | | | | adequately compressed and that is not too wide |
| not currently served by the full power FM | | | | - ensure that the radio automation software you |
| stations. Alternatively for those who are located in | | | | use is reliable and is fully tested to operate |
| a more rural area or town, you then have the | | | | trouble-free operation |
| opportunity to set your station up as the local | | | | - your station needs to be logically programmed in |
| alternative to what is already available. Generally a | | | | order to sound professional |
| local station competing against a station being | | | | - ensure that all your broadcasts comply with |
| beamed in by satellite from one of the main | | | | broadcast standards and other regulations |
| centres will attract a great deal of local | | | | Starting up a successful FM radio station involves |
| community support. | | | | much more than simply obtaining a low power FM |
| When it comes to setting up or starting up a low | | | | transmitter, plugging it in and playing music on air. |
| power FM radio station, you need to bear in mind | | | | By carefully setting up your station and ensuring |
| these points. The studio space should ideally be | | | | that your broadcasts bear in mind the target |
| away from external sources of noise (i.e. not | | | | audience, you can be assured of much |
| located next to a construction site), and should be | | | | enjoyment, an insight into the fascinating radio |
| a small room. Larger rooms tend to generate | | | | industry, and perhaps even a new career. |
| echo that can get down the microphone and on | | | | |