Community radio stations rely on advertising, sponsorship, voluntary services, and external donor funding. However, lack of funds leads to insufficient presenter salaries.
Setting Up and Cost Considerations
Setting up an online radio station involves:
- Programming content
- Adding DJs
- Setting time zone and user roles
- Uploading audio
- Creating the first radio show
The minimum cost to set up an FM radio station in major Indian cities is around Rs 55 lakh. For low-power FM radio stations in the US, costs start under $15,000.
Profit Generation in Radio
Radio stations make money by selling newscasts and advertising targeted to their audience. Revenue increases with more listeners. Registering with performance rights organizations like SAMRO has no membership fees. Artists get paid royalties whenever their song plays on radio.
Community radio stations with 10-15km coverage are run by local people to serve the community, unlike commercial stations focused on profits. Investors pay to reach large radio audiences. Stations earn from ads, sponsorships, paywalls, subscriptions, merchandise, and more.
Pre-1920s, radio was used to contact ships at sea with unclear communications relying on Morse code. Community radio helps development by enabling access to amenities and addressing local issues. It offers an alternative model to public and commercial broadcasting.
Community radio stations with 10-15km coverage are run by local people to serve the community, unlike commercial stations focused on profits. They play a key role in development by enabling access to amenities and addressing local issues.