When it comes to radio broadcasting, all you really need is a studio and a transmission method, but other information about college radio stations will help you in getting one up and going. After all, you're going to need to address many different issues including the station structure, personnel needs, transmitter location and which type of license to go after, just to name a few.

A college radio station can be an asset to a student's learning as students working for a college radio station can gain real-world experience in several different areas from on-air radio announcing and news reporting to handling the programming or technical sides.

Consider the following information when looking to start a college radio station:

1. Starting a college radio station requires performing a frequency search so that interference won't occur with another low-power station.

2. Start school radio with the easiest transmission method; then you can always change it after some time.

3. Traditionally, a university radio station is licensed as a low-power station; however, some have gone to audio streaming via the Internet as well as using other means.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse through a list of college radio stations

Start with a little research. Find out what colleges in your area operate campus radio stations and how each is transmitted. If several college stations near you operate on low power that may impact your ability to receive a license in that capacity.

I recommend: Search college radio stations by state at QuadPhonic.com. Log onto TheRecordIndustry.com for a list of stations, starting with Alabama. Click on a state in the menu on the right side of the page for other listings.

Listen to a variety of university radio stations

To get a good indication of what the college radio station market is like, listen to many different formats. Most of the time, college stations can offer an alternative to commercial radio and have more lee-way in their programming.

I recommend: The University of California at Berkeley plays free-form music at KALX and also offers news and alternative informational programming. Listen live, check out their DJs and review weekly music charts. Amarillo College's FM90 features new modern rock but also advertises their music variety. Check out their regular programs and play lists.

Find out how to start a college radio station

Still interested? Be prepared and patient. The process to start a radio station may seem complicated and it can often take some time. You may want to consult the FCC and other sources to get clear answers on exactly what type of license to pursue and other issues that may arise. Broadcast consultants who specialize in this field are also available.

I recommend: Find the Federal Communications Commission rules and process for applying for a FM non-commercial educational station as well as other general rules and guidelines. The Prometheus Radio Project offers guides on a variety of concerns that will arise as you explore starting a low power radio station from filing an application to creating a station structure.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When hiring for college radio jobs, make sure broadcasting students recognize that during college, as well as in most careers in the field, working weekends, nights and holidays is common.