1047307219_096985d990_small
Reputation: 10

How hard is it to buy and operate an AM radio station?

Who cares about AM radio? It isn't even in stereo! I do. I have a dream that sometime not too far away, there is a new independent radio station uniting all the people in Seattle who feel underrepresented by the current setup... it would probably function something like KCMU did before the KEXP deal... but it would be CHEAPER to buy and to run, and operate on a volunteer basis, which would be easy given the amount of talent in Seattle trying to build a reputation/portfolio. So how hard is this to accomplish? Do car radios even GET am anymore>? Am I a fool?

3 Answers

  • Spaceship_small
    Reputation: 1812

    Most AM radio stations have converted to talk or are concidered the unwanted step sister to FM stations these days. (It wasn't always so... it was just the reverse in the 1960s!)

    The demographic that you are seeking may or may not listen to AM.

    I agree a far cheaper route would be to find an internet radio station, as you would need to have the transfer of the FEDERAL license approved by the FCC... and that's not impossible, but it's really not a casual thing!

    PS: How were you thinking of offsetting the huge electric bill that the transmitter would generate? Who decides who gets to appear in prime time? Who fixes the inevitable equipment break downs?

    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Cat-duck-2_small
    Reputation: 1560

    "... but it would be CHEAPER to buy and to run, and operate on a volunteer basis, which would be easy given the amount of talent in Seattle trying to build a reputation/portfolio."

    The amount of talent isn't in question. It has always been, and will continue to be, a question of anyone's ability to manage it.

    The short answer is that if you're asking this on Questionland, you probably aren't serious and don't have a business plan worth discussing. The longer answer is that, yes, AM radio still exists, lots of people still tune in, and you most likely don't have nearly enough cash.

    Just sayin.

    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Sacri_ordines_by_charism_small
    Reputation: 3723

    2 bits:
    a) am radio must be received on most car radios since so many traffic warnings are only issued on am

    b) you might be more interested in PIRATE radio.

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100436/
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirate_radio_in_North_America#Partial_list_of_pirate_radio_stations_in_the_United_States

    Share this answer with a friend: