Since things started to get a bit unusual back in March, there has been an explosion in people exploring new creative pursuits and fulfilling dreams they have had on the backburner for a while.
For anyone that has ever dreamed of becoming a DJ or launching their own internet radio station – never has it been easier to get set up.
Whereas at one time a raft of heavy studio equipment was necessary to get on the airwaves, these days, you just need your trusty computer, a working internet connection, some affordable tools, and an idea about what you want to broadcast.
If you’re ready to get started, you need to know how to go about setting up, so here are some top tips to point you in the right direction.
How To Broadcast
It’s fair to say that radio is very different these days to how it was just a few years ago.
When you think about radio, you probably think about FM or AM, or even DAB. However, listeners have different habits these days. Internet radio has blossomed and you can now reach millions of listeners worldwide.
Running a radio station can be complicated – but for this reason we set up Radio.co – an all-in-one internet radio broadcasting platform that includes everything you need to get started.
The Radio.co platform has a few advantages:
- You can automate shows so they run 24/7 in the background.
- You can collaborate with anybody.
- You can create unique content of your own by curating personal hand-selected playlists.
- You can record conversations in your browser directly, wherever your guests may be located.
- You can ensure your station can be accessed via custom Android and iPhone apps.
Choosing Your Concept
Now you know the benefits of broadcasting over the internet, you need to choose the right concept for you. There’s no shortage of online radio stations for listeners to choose from, so why tune into yours? You need to find a hook so you can grab their attention.
Taking a haphazard approach to broadcasting isn’t sustainable in the long-term. Instead, you need to build a strong foundation. You need to determine the kind of content you’re able to create to spark your audience’s curiosity.
You can only really do this by working out who your target audience should be. Define who your listeners are – what are their habits and interests? Once you know this information, you’ll be able to create shows that resonate with them.
Once you know who’ll be listening, create shows that those people will care about. Whether that’s talk, music, or both, you need to work out the best mix for your ideal audience. Remember, though, that dead air is an inexcusable offence.
Make sure you’re creating content that keeps listeners engaged at all times. You may find that having two presenters is the best solution as they can bounce off each other and help to keep the conversation going, or you may find that live telephone interviews are the way forward.
Building Your Brand
The key to success with online radio stations is to build a recognisable brand. You need your listeners to remember you, and actively seek out your broadcasts. So, how can you go about doing this?
Your radio station’s name can make all the difference according to marketers from Carrot & Stick media agency. It could be equally as important as the content you choose to broadcast. Try to use a single word that sums up what you’re trying to achieve with your radio station, then create a logo that’s memorable and eye-catching.
Finally, make sure that you own your station’s unique sound. What you choose to play over the airwaves will tie into sonic branding, and effects such as music beds, voiceovers, intros, jingles, sweepers and outros will all work together to give your radio station its unique sound design.
Licensing Your Station
The good news is that, unlike terrestrial radio stations, there’s no need to own a broadcasting license if you want to broadcast a stream online. If your station will play commercial music, though, you’ll need a license to protect yourself fully and to ensure you’re not infringing copyright laws. An umbrella or blanket license could be just what you need to cover your station to play music of any type.
Creating A Back Catalogue
Building up a music library is the next step in setting up your radio station. You can get started by using royalty-free music, but if you want to use tracks from recognisable artists you’ll need to download popular tunes from a pay-to-play website.
Which Equipment To Buy
- Headphones
- Microphone
- Pop filter for your microphone
- Boom arm for microphone
- Mixing desk (optional)
You can usually manage with only essentials when you set up your radio station. A USB microphone with a stand will usually suffice, along with an audio interface. You may also need a boom arm if you’re planning to move around while broadcasting. A separate pop filter could also help to reduce the harsh-sounding peaks when you’re broadcasting, while studio-quality headphones are also essential.
Outlining A Schedule
Typically, radio stations will always be on, with listeners tuning in all day and night. You need to understand your audience, their tastes and habits, so you can serve up appropriate content at the appropriate time. There are four distinct time slots that you need to cover in your schedule, and tailoring conversations and playlists to each one is the best way to ensure your station is successful.
The breakfast slot is ideal for energizing your listeners with light-hearted content. Meanwhile, the lunchtime slot is ideal for light topics and popular music. The drivetime slot is the best opportunity for intelligent discussions and thoughtful features, while the evening and night slots are best for specialist broadcasting and taking the opportunity to delve into the specific niches of your listening community.
Getting Help
If you’re ready to launch your radio station, you may need a little more help to get yourself started. Here at Radio.co, we’re committed to helping people like you to take to the airwaves to broadcast their content to as wide an audience as possible. We have support available to answer any technical questions you have to get started.
