Setting up a low power FM radio station

While the information in this guide deals with a New Zealand example, many of the points are relevant in other countries.

When you come to setting up a radio station, you have two very different options. The first choice is to apply for a full power commercial FM license. This type of license allows you to broadcast over a large area. The drawbacks with a full power FM license are that it is often a complicated process, that no frequency may be available in the area you wish to broadcast, and that ongoing fees apply.

Another option is to set up a low power FM radio station. In New Zealand, there are no ongoing fees to operate this type of station โ€“ however you do need to pay nominal annual fees to APRA and RIANZ for music royalties. You do need to ensure however that your transmission equipment is compliant with Radio Spectrum Management regulations. Additionally, as is the case with any radio station, all your broadcasts need to comply with the Broadcasting Act. Fundamentally this means your broadcasts must be in โ€˜good tasteโ€™. The advantages that a low power FM radio station have over a commercial station is that is is much less expensive to set up at the outset, your likelihood of finding a suitable frequency are much higher, and there are far fewer ongoing costs.