In radio, your selection of the right equipment and radio software is the key to your success. Reach your community or the masses worldwide via radio programming. Perhaps you need to set up and run a station or simply enhance your business services to communicate in another forum. Maybe your need is as basic as the ability to communicate to workers in the field.

If you're involved in radio already, then you know the challenges in choosing radio industry software. If you're only starting out, or want to increase your level of experience and move to a different medium in radio, then consider the following:

1. Automate your radio processes with professional radio broadcast software.

2. Reach more listeners by streaming your FM station to the Internet with streaming radio software.

3. Meet your business needs using radio billing software or software that handles advertising and other tasks.

4. Acquire logging or amateur radio software to speed up communications.

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

Find radio automation software to assist your team or to be the team

Radio automation software does it all. Whether you have limited resources or want the benefits of today's latest software, automating tasks with radio station software gives you the ability to focus on important things like radio content. Many radio station software companies offer custom packages from basic to professional.

I recommend: Check out TuneTracker Command Center radio automation software from TuneTracker Systems. Call for a demo DVD or view the video on the web. If Command Center is more than you need, then check the Basic program with a considerable number of features. For another option, view a demo of the digital audio delivery (DAD) system available from ENCO Systems.

Transfer your radio station to the Internet with FM radio software

Get started in radio or reach more listeners by streaming your current station to the Internet. There's Internet radio software to help you do both. With such software, you can stream your live or recorded music or advertisements to the Internet.

I recommend: Purchase Stream Overlay System (SOS) ad-replacement software or SimpleCast streaming software from Spacial Audio Solutions. SimpleCast allows you to stream your audio over the Internet with only a single mouse click. Give the trial version of Streamer from StationPlaylist.com a try as well. The program allows you to prepare your audio to broadcast it on the Internet.

Locate business or radio billing software to handle billing, advertising and marketing

In addition to Internet radio software, many software applications handle a multitude of business tasks. Once listeners find you, you're in business and the search begins for sales staff and advertisers.

I recommend: Review the ACI Media demo for See Spot Run for Windows. This traffic and radio billing software system covers a multitude of tasks in one radio industry software package. Request information on OSi-AdConnections from Harris to assist in managing the advertising side of your radio business.

Purchase radio log software to expedite your communication needs

The most important feature in Ham radio software is its ability to log data. Radio logging software allows you to add your registered call signs and keep a log of pertinent information of those with whom you communicate. It greatly improves your communication efforts because it's easier to keep track of where to find someone.

I recommend: Download a trial of DXbase from Scientific Solutions. Its detailed registration process makes it easy to get the 15-day trial up and running. It also provides custom programming. Review EasyLog 5 for purchase from J. B. Sims Services for its ability to run on numerous operating systems. It covers logging, award tracking and more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use amateur radio for global communication. It's more affordable than cell phone technology. Take it up a notch with handheld radios and PDA radio software.