Free State Wyoming Forum
Free State Wyoming (FSW) Promotional => Marketing and Media Coverage of Free State Wyoming (FSW) => Topic started by: amagi on August 03, 2007, 03:48:07 PM
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I got this from Democracy Now. A very left slanted news program but so slanted they often cover news that gets no attention from corporate owned news. They mean this for socialists, but we could use this too. I see educational opportunities galore. It would take money and someone to run it.
-Amagi
Start Your Own Community Radio Station!
* Limited time to get a free, full-power FM radio license (in the U.S.)
* You and your community group can do this - if you act now!
* Democracy Now! will help you do this - please read below and fill out the form at http://getradio.org
(make sure you fill out the questionnaire, and put "democracy now!" in the How did you find out about GetRadio.org question.)
PLEASE read this, and consider applying for a full-power, noncommercial FM radio license - fill out the form at http://getradio.org to see if your region has a qualifying spot on the FM dial.
*Send this on to friends, family and community groups who might be interested. TIME IS SHORT, BUT THERE IS STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR A FULL-POWER, NON-COMMERCIAL FM RADIO LICENSE - MAKE A LASTING CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR COMMUNITY, AND HELP STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY MEDIA!
Thank you!
email us if you have questions;
Silky Shah silky@democracynow.org
Denis Moynihan denis@democracynow.org
Read below and follow the links for more information:
Do you want to hear local news, music, and diverse voices covered in your town, the same way national and international stories are brought to you by Democracy Now!? Would you like to be able to listen to Democracy Now! on a local radio station? Now is your chance to make it happen!
This October, the FCC will open up an extremely rare opportunity for non-profit organizations to apply for full power, noncommercial radio station licenses in the United States, and its territories (places like Guam and Puerto Rico). If your group or favorite local nonprofit organization meets the qualifications, and if a frequency is available, you can start a local, community-owned radio station, and get Democracy Now! playing over the airwaves in your town ? along with local radio the likes of which your community has never seen. The FCC doesn't give out licenses like these every day -- this opportunity will not be available for another 15 years. It's the last chance in a generation for community radio in your town ? and you have a shot to make it happen.
Sound too good to be true? There are a few hitches. If you live in one of the top 10 largest cities in the country, please don't pursue this opportunity, as there is absolutely nothing available in big cities like Los Angeles and New York. The channels that are available are mostly in smaller cities and rural towns ? the 'last frontier' of the broadcast dial. You have to be a registered nonprofit to apply, and your group will have to pay for engineering and legal consultants in the next few months ? which will cost you a few thousand dollars at least. If your group is lucky enough to be granted a license from the FCC, you'll be responsible for the costs of equipment, which could run from $20,000 to $200,000.
Even if you don't live in a big city, most communities will only have one or two open channels, so the competition will be stiff ? some organizations have been waiting years for their shot at these noncommercial, full-power frequencies. But don't despair?media justice groups around the country are doing everything in their power to make sure that local nonprofits like yours can successfully file applications, and win radio stations. If your group meets the qualifications above, read on to get connected to the Radio for People Coalition, which will help you get your application in tip-top shape!
The time to act is now?today. The application takes time and money to complete, so you must get the ball rolling today in order to meet the October deadline. Don't miss this opportunity to claim your community's slice of the FM dial!
Here's how to find out more about how to get your own community radio station:
Visit http://www.getradio.org on the web to see if there might be a frequency in your zip code.
Read more about the Full Power window at http://radioforpeople.org or at http://prometheusradio.org/full_power
Do you have the vision to make this happen? Today might be the day when you and your community conceives an institution of local justice, accountable news and information, and organizing power that will live on to serve your children and grandchildren. And we want to succeed.
Join this movement today ? and get ready to apply for your own full power FM radio station!
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OK so I spent a couple of days thinking about this (and why it is a bad idea), but now I'm not so sure. Here's my thoughts (and thanks amagi for not smacking me upside the head for my smart-aleck comments when we first discussed this):
- although it is expensive to apply and run a station, you don't have the huge FCC application fee as it is non-commercial (will need to hire a consultant though to make sure the app is done correctly - I'd hire a former FCC attorney instead of one of the leftist orgs).
- you don't need to be a tax exempt org, just not for profit, so you could essentially talk about whatever you want (subject of course to the normal FCC broadcasting regs) including political speech and supporting/bashing candidates. AFAIK you can still do advertising.
- it's a pretty safe bet that there are available frequencies in much of Wyoming (for sure Crook/Weston - I ran some zip codes).
- it is even possible there may be little or no competition for freqs in some localities - might increase the chances getting a license.
- it's an opportunity to influence the culture in a county by offering programming that nobody's ever heard from either the left or the right.
- possible opportunities for "public service" messages (PM me if you want more details) exist - a plus in a part of the country with spotty cell and internet access.
- while expenses for the transmitter and antenna will be significant, this can be done a lot cheaper if we contribute labor, go with used equipment, and maybe fab the antenna ourselves.
- could start at lower power to save on costs and upgrade in the future
I know it's still probably out of our league, but if anyone else is interested in pursuing this, I'll put together a business plan and contribute significantly with finances to get an application put together.
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Great idea Amagi. While this might seem difficult to impossible to many, it's the people that are the POSSIBILITY thinkers that make things happen.
While I have never been involved in a radio station, I have seen them run on a shoestring. I.e., run out of the back of a pharmacy (behind pegboard no less), out of a house, and even shared with another radio station.
It CAN be done!
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Once I stopped thinking that it was a stupid idea, the first image that came into my head was KBHR in Cicely, Alaska. I'm no Maurice, but perhaps a group of us could be. Any ex-felons want to do the morning show? ;D
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You can get a lot of great programming for such a station from Accent Radio Network (http://www.accentradionetwork.com/).
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I am very interested in working on this type of thing. That would be very cool. ;)
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Thanks for that link yonder. Do you know if they are looking for straight affiliates, or can you just pick up a program or two from them? For various reasons I don't think I'd be interested in organizing, running or investing in a Christian radio station, but some of Accent's programming looks interesting.
Although it is more work, in general I think a local radio station will do better if most if not all the programming is local. I realize this is counter to all recent trends and if you're gonna' do 16-18 hours/day it's a big task, but I still think it's desirable.
You can get a lot of great programming for such a station from Accent Radio Network (http://www.accentradionetwork.com/).
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I'll volunteer to do an hour of classical and jazz... ;D with a sprinkling of the Bill of Rights or some Jeffersonian papers... :)
At least as soon as we get our collective posteriors out there. ;)
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Uh-oh, you said the word jazz - hope amagi doesn't hear it - I don't believe she considers it music.
Believe I answered my own question about Accent - no charge (except for spots I suppose) for their shows and can use as much/little or their programming as you want. But some of the programming on their site might not be theirs to barter.
Was incorrect on advertising - within 88.1-91.9 advertising prohibited by the FCC. But the FCC is also making available channels north of 92MHz where advertising is ok. Not sure on the rules - will read up at my favorite website, fcc.gov. :)
I'll volunteer to do an hour of classical and jazz... ;D with a sprinkling of the Bill of Rights or some Jeffersonian papers... :)
At least as soon as we get our collective posteriors out there. ;)
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Looks like if you go non-commercial license advertising per se is prohibited. You can have program sponsors (think public radio). So this type of license means donations and sponsorships by business mostly. Can go after government funding but I suspect I just made some of you puke - sorry I was just kidding. ;)
Well so seems to me it's weighing the benefits of a legal broadcast license against the government restrictions. I can see why most of these stations are either religious or run by lefties - those groups have experience relying on donations. A non-commercial libertarian-slanted radio station? Hmm...
Maybe the cart is before the horse here. Do folks in Wyoming listen to radio? Is there a need for local radio programming? What would people want to hear about? My uninformed thoughts:
- a hunting show
- a truck show
- a curmudgeon show about local politics and events
- the cattle report of course
- a homesteading/penny pinching show
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I think this is a great idea.
Might be able to get some money from the Gates'.
I think Wyoming folks would listen to all sorts of music. Cowboy poetry is usually a hit. Hunting and fishing stories might be fun.
Anything libertarian too ! Open carry stories, survival, homeschooling report, etc.
Miles
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Well, one could always run an underground station? It's been done before. However, where I've seen it done successfully was in a mean and nasty metro area that was hard to DF. Authorities could never find them. Hours of operation were sporadic-on purpose. Not real conducive to gaining a listening audience and keeping help/volunteers willing to skirt the overly restrictive laws. Not the right fight for this.
So, probably not a real productive idea. About as productive as getting govco funding (gag).
Looks like if you go non-commercial license advertising per se is prohibited. You can have program sponsors (think public radio). So this type of license means donations and sponsorships by business mostly. Can go after government funding but I suspect I just made some of you puke - sorry I was just kidding. Wink
Well so seems to me it's weighing the benefits of a legal broadcast license against the government restrictions. I can see why most of these stations are either religious or run by lefties - those groups have experience relying on donations. A non-commercial libertarian-slanted radio station? Hmm...
PN, is there any advantage to an educational type of station? Or does that just get lumped into some useless subcat under non-commercial? Just looking for an entry angle...
And on programming, if you were to broadcast in Crook, we've got a real challenge with a market audience of 6500+ depending on wattage run. So a broad variety of programming as you noted may be appropriate to draw listeners? Donations would likely be few and farrrrr between, even with the dreaded 'telethon'.
Not quite sure how one would survive in a non-commercial environment. (It almost seems the antithesis of true libertarianism?) It would take some long term commitments and dedicated volunteers. As you say PN, some experience in this would be helpful, likely crucial to success.
Keep those ideas coming!
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Educational falls in the same category as non-commercial. So yes schools would apply for the same type of license.
Underground radio has it's time and place, but maybe not quite yet ;).
I agree - tough to survive without a steady source of funds - even with volunteers doing most of the work. Let's face it, there just isn't much money in radio stations, even for-profit stations - there potentially is with programming, if you have a great product (like Prairie Home Companion for example - which reminds me, season opener coming up - gotta' get tickets).
Well, one could always run an underground station? It's been done before. However, where I've seen it done successfully was in a mean and nasty metro area that was hard to DF. Authorities could never find them. Hours of operation were sporadic-on purpose. Not real conducive to gaining a listening audience and keeping help/volunteers willing to skirt the overly restrictive laws. Not the right fight for this.
So, probably not a real productive idea. About as productive as getting govco funding (gag).
PN, is there any advantage to an educational type of station? Or does that just get lumped into some useless subcat under non-commercial? Just looking for an entry angle...
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Speaking just for myself, I don't listen to the radio much - and that only in the car. If I go beyond town here, the stations fade out one by one, so it's impossible to listen to anything for more than a little while anyway. Usually I just turn it off because I have a choice between Rush Limbaugh or "country music" which is more accurately called trucker rock and roll with a twang.
If I want to listen to music, I can get all I want from my own CD player.
Seems to me that a newspaper would be far better and reach far more people. And then we could take advertisements to finance it.
Just my 2 cents worth...
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I am a big fan of talk radio...not sure about WY reception though, perhaps a Sovereigns of the High Frontier Society station? http://www.hisovs.org/
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Putting together and running a whole radio station might be out of our reach, but a good friend made a suggestion I thought I'd pass on here - and will post in the gun board too.
We were talking about folks who own/buy a gun, but don't have/get any real training and therefore don't understand the legal and practical problems with the use of deadly force, carrying a gun, and other topics. He suggested:
...you and perhaps Ken (Boston) talk to KASL-AM and KYDT-FM (in Sundance) about a weekly call-in show for an hour or so on guns, especially self-defense? It might be necessary to get your own sponsors: folks like Black Hills Ammo in Sturgis, Jack at First Gunshop in Rapid, and others - but that would be a real outreach project, and might take as little as four or five hours a week.
There are certainly plenty of well trained, knowledgeable people available to make this happen. It would be an excellent outreach effort for FSW and contribute a lot to the ongoing efforts to promote and protect the right to keep and bear arms.
I'd be happy to help. Anyone want to organize this?
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Great idea ML. As this could easily develop into something more expansive as success accumulates.
If I were in WY, I would certainly consider participating. I have Zero radio experience and NO interest in publicity, but I can learn and can use an alias on the air as easily as the next guy.
Another reason to get my duff out there ASAP...
Working on it...
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Very good idea for a radio program ML - I'll help.
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As something of an afterthought to ML's post.
Basic Structure of an hour could be something like:
1)General News as it relates to firearms:
a) National
b) State
c) Local (includes upcoming matches)
{one of these could include an issue that segways into #2}
2) Something of a monologue on xyz subject. Even if it is something read from someone else's work (with permission and credit of course) and editorial comments to follow.
3) Call-ins on #2 (could be pretty sparse in a low population county)
4) The Show: A knowledgeable guest or representative from an industry of interest (i.e. Freedom Arms)
Format would be flexible as in a casual, but directed discussion with call-in questions to the 'expert'.
5) Wrap up and teaser to next week's show. Includes a challenge to get involved and a reminder to be safe.
Firearms could encompass a considerable # of sub categories
1) Legal aspects
2) Personal responsibility
3) Pistol training
4) Rifle training
5) Muzzleloaders
5b) Shotguns (can't believe I forgot that one) :P
6) Archery
7) Hunting with Pistol, Rifle, Muzzleloader, Shotgun, Archery
8) The mental game of shooting
9) Different courses of fire for practice
10) The Constitution and BOR
11) Wy firearms laws
12) SD firearms laws
13) MT firearms laws
14, 15, 16) WY, MT, SD firearms activism WRT legislation
16) Cowboy Action (in the Cowboy State of course!)
17) Proper cleaning technique, chemicals and lubricants
18) Scopes
19) Iron sights
20+) Historical shows WRT a specific era from the inception of smooth bore to rifling to today
21) Call in guests from XYZ manufacturers
22) NOT Jim Zumbo :-[
23) Boston as 'eggspurt' guest discussing a variety of previously noted subjects (casual, off the cuff discussions) (I'm sure he would help?, but we should keep the visits strategic and well spaced)
24) Target range etiquette/safety
25) Target range 'target games' (playing cards, dice, aspirins, bowling pins, spinners, pop ups, etc.
26) Firearms organizations (NRA, GOA, 2A Foundation, JPFO, 2nd Sisters, WRSA, RWVA)
That was COMPLETELY off the cuff, so I know there are things I've missed. I believe we have the makin's of a show here????? I know you all could come up with more/better ideas? Yes, you CAN.
Geezopetes, wish I were there... With the wizardry of the internet, maybe I can help from here? Not sure how, but I'm willing to give it a whirl.
(note to self-I must be nutzzz :o)
Amagi, you started this mess ( :D) what's your take?
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Great ideas, folks... Someone's got to take the point to make it happen, however.
If we are going to approach a station in Sundance, perhaps a Crook county person would be the best one to start with???
I've done quite a bit of public speaking and have some radio experience. I'm also a known "character" in these parts (for good or ill, of course). I'd be happy to do some of the announcing.
Anyone else "in?"
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Yup, it's realistically going to take a local to take point on this.
Lots of face to face meetings with the radio station and local presence will be required to make this effective, much less work.
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From my current location in the quadrant I suspect I can help mostly financially and perhaps with audio/recording equipment & engineering - I have pretty extensive sound engineering and recording experience.
Great ideas, folks... Someone's got to take the point to make it happen, however.
If we are going to approach a station in Sundance, perhaps a Crook county person would be the best one to start with???
I've done quite a bit of public speaking and have some radio experience. I'm also a known "character" in these parts (for good or ill, of course). I'd be happy to do some of the announcing.
Anyone else "in?"
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Dear Friends,
As with the "start our own newspaper" idea, I also like this one.
As for locations, I think that an idea like this one could work in several markets, so there is no reason not to consider more than one station. Jen's idea of a HiSovs radio station is very interesting, especially when one considers that the trailer we are using in Newcastle is on a high bluff - so reception in Newcastle and on the highways into it should be good if one were to broadcast from there.
There are perhaps two major paths to follow. One would be a "listener" and donor supported radio station (or network of stations). The other approach would be a commercial radio station selling advertising. It is, of course, possible to have a bit of both.
Either way, I think the first serious step should be to develop a business plan for the radio station. Lots of money to raise in investor capital or in donations whichever path is taken.
Regards,
Jim
http://hisovs.org/
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"Our" own radio station is a great idea.
I wish it every success!
Whoever thought of me as a possible radio show host honors me,
but I won't have the time for at least a year. Ad hoc contributions
are one thing, but a regular gig is another. In case people haven't yet
noticed, I'm trying to do less as Boston and more as just plain me.
I'd be happy to pop in from time to time on the radio, sort of as I currently
give interviews. A once/month show sounds doable.
Besides, think of the pent-up demand!
;D
Boston
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The only talk radio I've been able to find around here is the Lars Larson show on 101FM. He's got a great range of topics, but he's very Bill O'Reilly style with his "I'm right and you're wrong" attitude. People should have a better choice.
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less as Boston and more as just plain me.
Boston
So...should we not address you as Boston then? Are you trying to take more time for yourself and less for FSW? I am not sure what all you mean by that.
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Please continue to call me Boston, but more in the
capacity of "Howz yer beer?" or "Wanna go to the lake?"
Are you trying to take more time for yourself and less for FSW?
Yes, and that includes less time for Javelin Press and BTP stuff.
Many FSWers have more of a Wyoming life than I do, and now it's my turn...
Boston
[/color]
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Go for it, Boston.
I believe we have a little inertia built up here. ;)
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The only talk radio I've been able to find around here is the Lars Larson show on 101FM.
Really? Did he move from Portland? Or is it some syndication thing?
Lars has for years, decades maybe, made a living of roasting Portland and Salem liberals.
I'm amazed if the only talk radio available is some Portland program.
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Maybe a realistic approach to getting this rolling is to come up with some one hour 'shows'? Or even half hour to start.
If you have a series of pilot programs or at least formated samples and a few sponsors, then approaching a local radio station would be quite feasible, I would think? If getting some pilots recorded are out of the question, then some sharp outlines presented by level headed enthusiastic folks might get it done.
First do a little brainstorming on possible formats. Similar to what I alluded to in an earlier post.
Then pick some subjects. There will be no shortage of subjects so picking the right ones or combinations thereof will be the best shot. Those subjects need to be able to 'reach' a wide swath of the firearms/hunter community. As well the freedom/liberty community. Early on, keep the freedom segment brief, but packed with facts and value. Minimize the editorials? Dunno, just trying to keep it from getting labeled as wackos early on. Maybe that's unavoidable anyway. Maybe that would be beneficial in terms of sheer publicity?
One thing we will need is an affable, enthusiastic, passionate, mature individual to man the microphone.
This can be done!
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HiYa, P'ahin Nunihan,
Not an "Ex-Felon" (current status up for discussion), but would still be interested in helping out. Any idea of the effective range of a full-power FM station?
Many and varied interests - geologist, global warming/climate change antagonist, hunter, shooter, primitive weapons maker and user, mechanic (industrial & otherwise), ex-musician, archer, cowboy shooter (not at the damn cowboys - with the damn cowboys), rev-war/early settlement re-enactor, motorcycle enthusiast, cooking for guys, sewing for guys, knitting for guys, being a general nuisance, etc., etc.
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Start up costs for equipment can be kept down to a dull roar.
You can start on a shoestring with a low power transmitter, and from there, the sky is the limit. The only limitations are what one wants to accomplish. Internet radio and news feed, music, live programs, call-ins and transmit power.
Here's a link for advice, equipment, etc:
http://www.themicroeffect.com/index.htm
22) NOT Jim Zumbo Embarrassed
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
I wholeheartedly concur!!!!!
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Start up costs for equipment can be kept down to a dull roar.
You can start on a shoestring with a low power transmitter, and from there, the sky is the limit. The only limitations are what one wants to accomplish. Internet radio and news feed, music, live programs, call-ins and transmit power.
Here's a link for advice, equipment, etc:
http://www.themicroeffect.com/index.htm
22) NOT Jim Zumbo
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
I wholeheartedly concur!!!!!
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oooops :-[
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Hey Big Ugly,
Range of course depends on more than just power, particularly with FM as it is mostly line-of-sight. Antenna height is real important. FM stations are usually much less power than the big AM stations which can blast out 50K watts. A couple of thousand watts FM with the right antenna will get you 50 miles or more particularly outside big metro areas where there is less interference.
The biggest hurdle we've discovered is, not surprisingly, the government. The FCC is not inclined to license any more for-profit radio stations, and the rules for non-profit broadcast radio are very restrictive. Commenting on idahobob's post, the costs for a micro-transmitter are very inexpensive, but again FCC restrictions on both power output and antenna height mean that your effective broadcast range will be maybe a mile at best. Not very helpful to reach an audience in Wyoming unless your programming is muley love songs. To put together a FCC licensed radio station (keep in mind that all your plans and equipment need to be approved by the FCC) will be upwards of $100K for a modest setup.
Which is why the discussion seems to have moved toward a radio program. Much less investment involved and plenty of radio stations looking for good programming. More time and probably less profit potential, but still an interesting idea.
HiYa, P'ahin Nunihan,
Not an "Ex-Felon" (current status up for discussion), but would still be interested in helping out. Any idea of the effective range of a full-power FM station?
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Seems to me the natural evolution of this idea is to get a program put together and shop it to Billings, Casper, Rapid City market radio stations. If that is successful, either buy or propose a radio station. That is a pretty big leap to go from a show or two to a station. The local radio stations (AM or FM) here are always struggling to keep above water and we have about 50K+ audience potential.
If a station happens in say, Crook or Weston, it will have to be a labor of love, as getting enough advertising to sustain a station will be the tough nut to crack. Not intending to be discouraging here, just realistic in that the market area is quite small. It will likely take several small advertisers which is a lot more work than having a few big advertisers.
OTOH, if the existing? stations are doing a poor job, there could be some real opportunity to carve some airtime out... or just buy the station.
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Those who wish to do something with this idea need to get together and plan. Realistic goals, "counting the cost," and a plan to make contacts, etc. are essential. Who will write the program? Produce it? Sell it to stations? Promote it, and how? Real people need to assume real responsibilities in real time to make this happen. Corporation? Limited partnership? Individuals without legal boundaries? What sort of organization can best reach those goals, with what money, and who doing what?
Are we ready to discuss the nitty gritty?
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I think this is a great idea.
Might be able to get some money from the Gates'.
I think Wyoming folks would listen to all sorts of music. Cowboy poetry is usually a hit. Hunting and fishing stories might be fun.
Anything libertarian too ! Open carry stories, survival, homeschooling report, etc.
Miles
Why would you want to get money from the master cyberfascist?
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Before I became a truck driver in the 90's, I was a broadcast engineer in the 80's.
The nature of small town radio requires that the chief engineer either find things to do or spend one's time hiding from the problems that management and ownership won't spend the money to fix, even though they promised they would when they hired you.
So, I've done everything in commercial radio except sell commercials, and cover sports, which I consider a total waste of time, money and effort, and know almost nothing about.
I still have my General Radiotelephone License because it is for life now, but it is useless in broadcasting now that the station licensee is responsible for technical compliance, as it should be.
There is a section of the FCC rules called part 15 which has just enough wiggle room to allow for a network of totally unlicensed but legal FM radio stations, which could be feed via the Internet and, if built properly, wouldn't require any regular maintenance attention or expense.
I floated this trial balloon in 1987 and it was promptly ignored to death.
Anyone interested in floating it again?
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One of my favorite places for guerilla radio equipment:
http://www.freeradio.org/index.php?pagename=store/broadcastemporium.html
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Hi Guys, names Andrew. I am strongly considering relocating to WY. I have over 4 years experience hosting trivia contests in Massachusetts and am very liberty oriented. I have been told on many occasions that I have a strong deep resonating voice, I should be on radio. I was thinking a good place to start might be a free podcast, a Free State Wyoming podcast that could be downloaded, start with a weekly program and if there is enough demand and sponsorship it could become a daily show.
Just a thought. This is my first post on here.
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Welcome! You just never know what sort of work you'll find here. Come visit and talk to the radio folks here. We'd love to meet you too!
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Howdy GideonsBible, and welcome.
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I think Andrew has a good idea starting with a podcast. This is essentially how Free Talk Live, based in New Hampshire, got started. They still "broadcast" on the Internet (I like to listen to it while I'm drawing funnybooks) and also sell their show to something like 50 local radio stations.
This might also be of benefit as the Internet listening audiences tends to skew a bit younger than radio listeners, and I think it is a good idea generally to appeal to younger people.
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I have a good friend here in the Illinois Republik that has 2 radio stations.... Essentially the programing can run full auto. All the music and programing is either on the harddrive or comes in in a feed either live or preprogramed. Everything right down to announcing the time and Radio station ID announcement can be fully automated fromt he computer. I am sure it takes special radio station software but it can be done with minimal labor and from anywhere in the country to some degree............
More than that I know not...
Regards, Danl ~W~
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As a radio host myself, I may be biased, but I think that radio is a great way to spread the message of liberty. Free Minds Radio also started as a podcast, and now we're on five stations plus the internet.
www.freemindsradio.com
Free Talk Live got it's start with a single radio station, and now they're on over 40 stations. If you have the desire to start a pro-liberty program, start up a podcast or try to get a show on a local Wyoming station. You've gotta start somewhere and the important thing is producing some kind of content so that you can build up your program.
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I think Andrew has a good idea starting with a podcast. ...
Yup.
If anyone wants a quick primer, I can help. I know a lot about audio recording, gear, editing, podcasting, hosting, etc.
MWD
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I currently run a station out of my garage, and work for 2 licensed stations in Los Angeles. I looked into Low Power licenses many years ago and found it was just a scam to pacify the masses. Actually, getting licensed was still extreemly expensive.
Since then, I've realized that applying for a license would legitimize the FCC. It would be cheaper to act like free people, and deal with a fine, should one be imposed.
I use the libertyradionetwork feed for much of my programming. When I move to WY, I hope to start a show, "Free WY Live"
I've spent 15 years in and around commercial radio. I can tell you that programming and putting a signal on the air, are the easiest tasks.
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So, what I'm hearing from you and on bbs.freetalklive.com and from FTL...is that getting together the materials and broadcasting and finding content are easy, the hard part is getting a high enough antenna and paying for more broadcasting power?
Is it possible to borrow the use of something tall to broadcast? Is it possible to run a cable several blocks to get to higher ground?
If the higher object (say, a tower) is broadcasting its own signal, would there be interference? Would the antenna be spotted if it were sitting up somewhere high or is it just a wire?
(http://www.ptank.com/bucket/catsynth_images/sb_radio_tower.jpg)(http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/04/b0/07/neat-hotel-tallest-building.jpg)
Thanks for the help,
Anarchir.
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For my understanding, the FCC permits that are the hard part or should I say, the expensive part. If you want to go below there radar, you could only put out enough ?(amps or watts or whatever they call em) to cover a 4 mile radius, I think you would need to put it high up on a building to reach the full 4 miles. Its a few thousand bucks for the equipment, which really isnt that bad. We really want to set one up but cant afford it at the moment.
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The "legal" power has nothing to do with antenna height. There is a limit on signal level at a given distance. You can use up to 100mw to achieve that level.
Getting on a real broadcast tower is pointless unless the channel you use is far away from the high power broadcasters. 91.1 vs. 100.7 .....
Near the tower, a radio won't hear your small signal against the big one.
The more signal you use, the more risk you take.
Getting your antenna on a tall building is good for distance but power is needed for what we call penetration. Height is good up to a point. If you don't have enough power to get through walls, there's not much point.
I've gotten 15 miles on just a few watts. It was usable because the highway was line of site to the house. In town, the signal was terrible.
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Pardon me if this question seems naive but with the availability of internet access, doesn't that negate the old fashioned "brick and mortar" radio station (or antenna for that matter ;) )?
I mean, why not broadcast exclusively through the net with posted scheduling times, guest lists, etc?
Or is it that there is a need to capture the ears of people surfing the radio waves while they drive?
Just curious.
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Radio still has very high market penetration, but:
Yes, radio is changing. The government sponsored monopoly that the NAB has been enjoying, is disolving now that the free market is finding ways to deliver what consumers want without paying the troll at the bridge.
I'm seeing it where I work. Internet and "non-traditional" revenue is becoming more and more important. Many of us agree that we're seeing the last hurrah of radio as we've known it, and it will come full circle, to be the local and immediate source of news and community media. Commercial radio is done.
I'm starting to think of radio as a rotating billboard. Only new music will have any appeal. The rest of the content can only be used to get people to wait through commercials, which necessarily will get shorter and shorter.
I broadcast the stream from libertyradionetwork.
I want listeners to hear something that motivates them to visit websites or try out liberty oriented pod-casts. Aside from that, only old-timers and non-tech-savy, listeners will bother to sit through the shows.