I know nothing about the mechanics or financing of these ventures, but I wish you so much good luck!!!!!

Really these stations are so needed in rural areas in particular!

This is in the middle of a city but it's Salt Lake City, UT. That's about as red as you can get. But you are right, the real need is in rural America.

Look I think it's a noble thought and good on ya and all that, but you are going to have a hard time generating revenue. I know that Green960 had some trouble in the bay area and that's with quite a few friendly businesses around locally. The big boys in radio advertising are almost all on the right. In SLC you will have (I'm assuming here) almost no support from local businesses. Add all taht up with the fact that you'd be a new station facing the same challenges that all newer businesses face....I just think your prospects for success are low.

online so DUers and even more people could listen in..

I don't think it's a stupid idea...The more progressive voices out there, whether it's radio stations, blogs, Youtube channels or Live online Video broadcasts, the better, I say.

Go for it.

doing an online radio show so you can reach the most people. I had a local talk show on Los Angeles FM radio as well as an online show. I received a much bigger response from my online broadcast. www.BlogTalkRadio.com has been the best I've seen for starting your own online show. And it's very user friendly too.

I could handle online broadcast and I have thought about it. My thoughts about radio have to do with getting a wedge into places that are not so user specific as the Internet. Sure, I could reach more people, but which people? Would it be people who already know the left philosophy or people in the neighborhood who would catch on to an idea as foreign as our message may be? This is a place with absolutely no other "on the air" influence other than Beck and Rush. Honestly, I am more interested in getting the info out than response. Question is, can I get people to listen who wouldn't otherwise be listening? On the Internet, you have to want to go there. In the case of AM radio here, there are 3 different right wing stations. Someone may just tweak across the dial looking for them and find me.

your listeners are going to be a result of who you market to. Most radio stations don't pay you nor do they market for you. Any listeners or pay you receive comes from the marketing you do to bring them in. So it doesn't matter if you're online or on the radio, you won't have any listeners if no one hears your message. The reason I suggest online is because with no experience in the business, online is wear you can learn and build your voice and cultivate your message before taking it local. Remember, when you take your message local, you are competing with Rush, Hannity, and O'Reilly. They have a name...you don't. Build your brand online so when you approach a radio station you can bring your name and your brand to the table. No radio station can deny you a show when you come to them with a huge online following. Just the opinion of someone who's been there.

You really know your business! I will take it all into consideration.

I don't think I am really that interested in becoming a personality per se or even interested in it as business. To me it's more of a mission??? No advertising, no strings. No corporate support, no strings. No income, not an essential. I would be broadcasting to a very limited and maybe very small audience in the local area offering the only alternative to big red radio. I don't think I am alone in thinking there are others like myself who would be interested in an alternative, even if it's not quite the entertainment that squeals from the spinning wheels of the likes of Rush.

Putting together the broadcasting equipment itself is a minimal task for me so no need to bother the local stations. I am a retired professional performer so I have some idea of what it takes to "perform" even if I have no experience in radio. But one thing I do have is a passion for realistic, rational, and honest news and information and a desire to reach just one, two or three at a time in this mindless neighborhood. That ain't business, it's more like a grass roots movement.

Good to see that newbies are bringing more in. You'll find that if you post something in a language other than English, it will be translated by someone in the first 20 or so replies.

station.

Then people just stream it on their I-Pod.

I thought DU radio was actually a pretty good idea.

More more more!!!!

I supported the pre-launch of TRN when I thought they'd be broadcasting. Sadly, they're online only. It needs to be TV or terrestrial radio, IMHO.

is KKFI down on 39th & McGee. I want to promote our local food and shops and the gallery district, of course, and do talk radio call-in that listens to the local community (-ies)

There's an old-tyme music, pirate radio station north of KU, because of the festival at Winchester every year and for the old tyme music fans in Lawrence, KS and news and weather and call-ins of course, from the progressive voice in Douglas Cnty, KS, who were one of two bright blue county islands, with Wyandotte, for Obama in a sea of red (blood, if you ask me, from their damned war profiteers and mercenary gun runners around the world).

Whose soldiers?

OUR soldiers!!!

pi

This is the time to quit thinking like the corporate overlords and start taking America back one person, one neighborhood at a time if need be.

Thanks for the support and if I get this thing going here, I'd be glad to be linked and shared and all the rest.

The Cellar Rat in downtown KC is great, if you're ever here, not far from Power & Light district, AND our new Beauty -full performing arts center, near our gallery & the freight-house district, not far from Crown Center and Union Station, also not far from downtown SW Boulevard and Hamburger Mary's.

I think you should go for it. We need more progressive stations and more progressive programs, not less.

Sorry to say, but Air America more or less proved that.

Go for 30 second spots in the middle of existing conservative talk shows.

Yes, you'll be putting your money in the hands of broadcast bandwidth polluters for the privilege.

But you will obtain a direct line into the ears and heads of those who need to hear their dear hosts like Limbaugh and Hannity directly refuted INSIDE their own shows.

The best bang for your progressive messaging buck. And much less of a technological and legal hassle.

As far as bucks are concerned, I am more thinking of utilizing the free air space in the AM dial in small pockets of red communities. That takes very little if you know how to manage the equipment. I would hate to mention what i think it would cost to use free, unlicensed, radio airwaves in low wattage chunks... but I think I could do it for less than $300 and cover an area of a couple of miles.

This is no way to get to the big time, it's a way to get to individual communities on their own non corporate terms.

Hell, if a few hundred people set up their own small neighborhood radio outlets, that may begin the rhetoric on a small scale that could become bigger than any one personality. It would be returning America to us leeeetle guys, unencumbered by the rat race functions that we know have only hurt this country.

Here is their quick link on the subject:

http://www.fcc.gov/guides/low-power-broadcast-radio-stations

What he is describing, I don't see any other way. A Part 15 transmitter covers, at best, a small city block. Getting a signal big enough to reach even 2 miles away with a listenable signal (as opposed to static filled and weak) would take, in my estimation, 5 to 10 watts minimum. Perhaps less if you can put up a GREAT antenna, but at those frequencies, GREAT antennas are LARGE antennas.

Trust, I want to see a wider range of real people sharing through broadcasting, but I hate to see anyone effed by the FCC. I honestly think net broadcasting, done with a lot of guerrilla marketing and getting some guests and hosts who can bring in an audience, would be much more productive.

I like the commercials on RW radio idea as well. Even if they hate what you say (at first), perhaps you can plant some thought seeds that way.

Even so, being "heard" is the lesser of what are actually two problems.

Saying something interesting and persuasive is the greater one.

--when Air America went belly up. (Except, unfortunately, Ron Reagan.) They just got syndicated elsewhere. What the OP was asking about was how to establish himself as a voice.

One that is powerful enough to hear CLEARLY at a distance of more that a couple blocks, you need an FCC license.

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http://www.fcc.gov/guides/how-apply-radio-or-television-broadcast-station

Heavy Demand for New Broadcast Stations. Potential applicants for radio and television services should be aware that frequencies for these services are always in heavy demand. A few years ago, the Commission received approximately 30,000 inquiries in a year from people who wanted to start a radio broadcast station. Since then, demand for radio broadcast stations has grown while the amount of available spectrum has diminished. Consequently, when application filing window periods open for new stations, many competing applications are filed. You should be aware at the outset that the filing of an application does not guarantee you will receive a broadcast station construction permit. You should also be aware that in many areas of the country, no frequencies may be available on which a new station could begin operating without causing interference to existing stations, a violation of FCC rules. For that reason, we do not recommend that you purchase any equipment before receiving a construction permit from the FCC.

Expansion of the AM or FM radio bands is unlikely to occur in the near future. The FM band is constrained from expanding above 107.9 MHz by the presence of aeronautical operations on 108 MHz to 136 MHz, and is also prevented from expanding below 88.1 MHz by Channel 6 television operations on 82.0 through 88.0 MHz. The AM band was expanded from 1600 to 1700 kHz in the 1990s after years of international negotiations. However, those frequencies are reserved for existing stations that were causing significant interference in the lower part of the band.

Unlicensed Operation Is Prohibited. A very common question asked of the FCC is whether broadcasting at very low power requires a license. Please be aware that unlicensed operation of radio broadcast stations is prohibited, even at low powers such as 1 watt or less. The only unlicensed operation that is permitted on the AM and FM broadcast bands is covered under Part 15 of the FCC's rules, and is limited to a coverage radius of approximately 200 feet. (See the Commission's July 24, 1991 Public Notice.) Unlicensed operation is not permitted in the television bands (including 87.9 MHz, which falls within the 82.0 to 88.0 Channel 6 television band). Fines and/or criminal prosecution may result from illegal operation of an unlicensed station (see recent enforcement actions).

Legal and Engineering Assistance in the Preparation of Construction Permit Applications for Licensed Stations. Most applicants retain legal counsel and broadcast engineering consultants to perform frequency searches and help prepare the legal and technical portions of construction permit applications. The FCC does not maintain a list of, or recommend, any particular legal services or broadcast engineering consultants, but many of these services do advertise on the Internet and in trade publications. You must decide which services best suit your needs. Please be aware that the FCC cannot tell you whether a frequency will be available in a particular location or help in the preparation of applications (except for questions of a general nature).

Access to a Computer Is Essential. The Commission is rapidly implementing electronic filing of its applications and the elimination of paper forms. This procedure has several advantages, including error checking of application entries before an application is accepted for filing, more rapid posting of data, and reduced processing time. Construction permit applications, for example, must now be electronically filed. Paper-filed applications will not be accepted for filing.

Application Filing Fees. For commercial AM, FM, and TV broadcast station applications, filing fees must be paid with the submission of any application. These fees are detailed in the Media Bureau Fee Filing Guide.

FCC Application Forms. FCC application forms may be used to help prepare an application, but please be advised that forms MUST be electronically filed. The presence of a paper form does not override the requirement for electronic filing. Broadcast application forms available for electronic filing can be retrieved through the Media Bureau Electronic Filing page.

FCC Rules. FCC rules pertaining to radio and television broadcast stations are contained in Parts 73 and 74 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The CFR is available through the Government Printing Office both online and in book form. For your convenience, we have posted the radio broadcast station rules. These rule lists are updated once a year, after the Code of Federal Regulations website is updated to reflect rule changes from the previous year.

~ snip ~

AM Stations. AM stations occupy the frequencies of 540 kHz to 1700 kHz. These stations are allocated on a non-interference basis. To be acceptable, an application for a new AM broadcast station must show that no interference will be caused to other U.S. and foreign AM stations on the same frequency, or on the adjacent channels (out to 30 kHz above or below the desired frequency (see 47 CFR 73.37)). Applications must also consider the second harmonic frequency and intermediate frequency relationships per 47 CFR Section 73.182(s) (for example 2 x 800 kHz = 1600 kHz for the second harmonic relationship; or 800 kHz + 455 kHz I.F. frequency could affect reception on 1250 and 1260 kHz). In general, these complex engineering analyses require specialized knowledge and software, and are best performed by broadcast engineering consultants.

Rules. AM station rules include 47 CFR 73.1 through 73.190, and 73.1001 through 73.5009.

Form to Use, Application Filing Fee. Applications for new AM broadcast stations must be electronically filed on FCC Form 301 during a specified application window period. Noncommercial educational applicants should also use FCC Form 301. Commercial applicants must include the new station application filing fee listed in the Media Bureau Fee Filing Guide as well as FCC Form 159 with the fee payment and application. Please note that payments for commercial applications not paid online must be directed to the lockbox address and NOT the FCC in Washington, D.C.

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It is something I dreamed about since childhood, but never had the money to do. And now, with so many other avenues of information and entertainment, it would be a struggle to attract enough audience to pay the regulatory fees, engineering and equipment costs, license fees for any music (even incidental music) and syndicated shows you may play, plus your local employees.

Not trying to be a bummer, just a realist.

I have come to understand is that there are hundreds of small AM stations across the country that broadcast a mile or two at under 10 watts. I suppose it could be problematic if you get down to a complaint. Much the FCC rules that are stated are almost always broken. As far as interference, that is a huge problem here on FM and in many other places but it is still done without the FCC intervening. My guess is there are 5 AM stations that are strong enough in this area to be called a station at all. The rest of the bandwidth in AM is empty space outside of atmospheric bounce from longer distances which come and go with solar and stratospheric conditions.

I suppose what I would be coming up against would be complaints. And complaints would probably be the weapon of choice for RW disruptors that would want to keep our voice from being heard. But then... has limiting free speech ever stopped us?

How many people under 50 listen to anything on AM...

Seriously, try to get a show on the Satellite or on line and you would get to more people.

What people? People like us? or people like them?

I know that if the university or high school students here got wind of a "radical" left wing station... they would listen.

...is like buying a horse & buggy. The technology is over 100 years old and was long ago superceded by FM and now internet. It's expensive to operate as most AM stations rely on multiple towers that require several acres of land as well as antiquated old transmitting equipment that is costly to maintain. Add to this the major inflation and then crash of broadcast properties that were set in motion by "de-regulation". AM stations lost 90% or more of their value...a good part caused by the plummet in inflated "stick" values and the ongoing decrease of audience and advertising revenue. So...if you're looking to buy an AM station understand you're buying into something that most likely will depreciate in value over time no matter how successful an operation you create.

As far as establishing a new station...hope you know a very good engineer. You need to find an open channel that doesn't affect other stations hundreds and thousands of miles away. It will probably require building a directional array that may even force you to point the signal away from the area you were hoping to serve for some part of the day. Again...AM radio was great for grandma but we're in the 21st century and a lot better, more reliable and efficient alternatives area available.

I have a long time background in broadcasting and have attempted in the past to have dialogue about establishing progressive and liberal talk...but it's like herding cats. Sorry to hear that KPOJ is pulling the plug...no surprise and Bain Capital/Cheap Channel will be trying to fatten up and sell off stations to meet the company's huge 15 billion dollar debt next year. Maybe you can buy the station for pennies on the dollar...

Cheers...

Even crappy videos get more of an audience than a less-than-one-COPD-lung AM radio station in 2012 ever will. Put together something engaging, you might make something happen.

anything else will be destroyed.

also you must diversify your programming. even if you have to mix it up with Sports Talk, Lefty Politics, Feel Good Afternoon Drive, make sure it's a mix people want to listen too. that diversity will brings new listeners.

don't accept a whole lineup, pick up shows individually.

decide whether you are a commercial funded or public funded (like KPFA) or a happy mix of both. be aware of the pitfalls of both. there's plenty of research for both out there.

i believe someone in Monterey, CA has done what you're thinking about. i forget the name, but he's a huge booster for Karel show and has his own show on his own station. look him up and see what he does. if you're really interested, see if you can get an interview and tips on how to emulate his example.

START SMALL! ambition is nice, but better to make a small investment with smaller cost errors than getting over your head. dream big, start small, learn from the smaller failures.

Randi has spoken of it saying you get a very limited talk back audience.
In my town, actually on my Island, the local talk shows are really not listened to.
In my opinion a clearing house of available on line sites would be a place to start.
I frankly was surprised to hear of KPOJ going off. They probably had the best rating of any other progressive signal.
The FCC is going to open up the FM LP license window again but probably only rural areas will qualify because there is not enough space.
So an online network with reliable consistant shows and possibly XM/Sirius. Then get the word out.
Here is the progressive day for National shows as I know it.
Bill Press out of NYC
Ed Shultz out of NYC
Thom Hartmann out of DC and Randi Rhodes out of FLA at the same time.
Norman Goldman out of LA I think
Leslie Marshal fits in there somewhere
Alan Colmes at night out of NYC.
I use the tune in radio app and I heart radio app to pick up these stations: on the tune in app; WCPT, WWRL, We Act Radio in DC, KVOT, KTNF Minneapolis/St.Paul, KPTK Seattle, KRXA Monterey (Think for yourself!), Something called the Progressive radio network. and very few others
I heart radio app; The Mic 92.1 (with ABC News on the hour which I despise.) 880 the Revolution, AM1350 Albuquerque, AM760 Denver, KTLK1150 LA.
Some stations KPHX Phoenix for example have their own apps.
None in the South, none in Florida as far as I know.

Unfortunately, that's like me saying I'm going to found a small oil company. The big dogs rule in an unregulated market.

I do however hope you see your dream through. You're in the right locale.

especially in AM radio.

I know this because I've had passing thoughts about doing the same thing.

The airwaves are more or less "full" as far as the FCC is concerned, so they're not granting new licenses for fear of interfering with existing licencees.

That means you'd have to buy an existing station.

You'll need to do some research first, but if you have the bucks (or investors), the business sense, and a little bit of engineering ability, I wish you the best of luck.

If that seems like a little much, but you still want to dip your toes in the water with regards to programming and dealing with the FCC, look into low-power FM.

Hell, I can't even stomach FM Radio. Haven't listened to anything but satellite for a few years now. And Sirius offers has progressive and left wing channels.

when I tried to tune into KPOJ and Heard FOX Sports News or something close-I heard about it on both Hartmann and Schultz--tried to call KPOJ Thurs to see what was up and all I was offered was their "comment line"-the receptionist was silenced appparently and only allowed to repeat she knew nothing, I can transfer you to the comment line....

Dear lord, I need something reality based to listen to when I'm on the road.
Keep us posted-I'll spread the word if and when

It appears this is the CP only, you would still have to buy or lease the equipment, tower and studio, etc. but I could be wrong.

http://www.radiotvdeals.com/119.html

--------------------------------------------------------

Utah
FM Construction Permit (CP)
Market Rank Mkt 201+
Asking Price $950,000.00
Utah -- Provo Commercial Class C2 FM CP for Sale

Description

New commercial FM Class C2 construction permit at Mona, Utah with predicted service to Provo and Spanish Fork. The Longley-Rice 50 and 60 dBu service covers 444 thousand and 369 thousand pops, respectively. The 60 dBu service contour serves 207 thousand pops.

All offers will be considered. Attractive terms available.

FCC FMQuery Link to Station:

http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?list=0&facid=190404

FCC FMQuery Link to 60 dBu contour map:

http://maps.google.com/?q=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/contourplot.kml?gmap=2%26appid=1503162%26call=NEW%26freq=92.9%26contour=60%26city=MONA%26state=UT.kml