After coming up with the idea, the next step in starting your radio station should be to write a business plan.  The business plan will make you focus on some important aspects of the business, such as who your customers are, how you plan to reach them, projecting sales and expenses, your value proposition to use for marketing, and more. You’ll also need to do some research to calculate exactly what your startup expenses will be and what your ongoing expenses will be.

Not only will a bank require you to have a business plan if you need financing, but multiple studies have shown that having a good business plan increases the odds of starting a successful business. Writing the plan helps you to think through all the aspects of the business and then serves as a guide as you begin.

Related: How to write a business plan

Finding the perfect radio station name can be challenging. Not only does the name have to reflect what you do and be appealing to customers, but it also has to be available to use. You can check your state’s website to see if the name is available and register your name.  Your name should make you stand out, reflect your brand, and tell potential customers exactly what you do.

A business entity refers to how a business is legally organized to operate. There are four primary business entities to choose from, which include the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Each type of entity has its own pros and cons, such as liability exposure, costs, and administrative requirements.

When deciding on which business entity is best for a radio station, it normally comes down to the sole proprietorship and Limited Liability Company.

A partnership opens the owners up to unnecessary personal liability because if a partner does something to get the business sued, or runs off with cash from the business, the other partners are personally liable to repay. The corporation can be a good choice because it separates the business assets from the owner’s assets. If the corporation is sued or certain business debts can’t be paid back, the owners aren’t personally responsible to repay them. The downside to the corporation is that it is more complicated than all the other entities and requires more administration than the LLC. If you plan on raising a lot of investment though, the corporation is usually the better choice.

That leaves the sole proprietorship and LLC.

The sole proprietorship is the least expensive and easiest entity to start which is appealing. The downside is the owner is personally liable should anything happen to the business, which is an important consideration. The LLC offers the ability to operate as a sole proprietorship with the liability protection of a corporation. Depending on the state, the cost to form an LLC runs from $40 – $500, which is pretty inexpensive for protecting the owners from business-related lawsuits and certain debts.

Related: Guide to forming your LLC
 

If building a new AM or FM station, a broadcast station construction permit application will be needed through the FCC. An internet radio station will not have the same requirements as a terrestrial radio station.

Related: Choosing a business location

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires a broadcast license to broadcast on AM or FM radio.  AM and FM radio station licensing is strictly regulated, and considering the limited number of frequencies available, it can be difficult to secure the rights to broadcast.

– AM 
– Low-power FM (LPFM) – (1-100 watts of power – typically reserved for non-profits)
– High-power FM – (typically reserved for commercial radio stations)

While internet radio stations do not require an FCC license, licensing is needed to legally play the music and avoid copyright infringement of the musicians. This licensing is referred to as a Radio Music License Committee (“RMLC”) or National Religious Broadcasters Music License Committee (“NRBMLC”).

In addition to radio station-specific licensing, there are general business registration requirements that may include business licensing, sales tax permit, and an Employer Identification Number.

Related: Common business licenses, permits, and registrations by state

Coming up with a good business idea and having the skills to run it are one thing but getting the funding to start a radio station is another.  In order to get a loan, the borrower(s) will need to have good credit and be able to invest 15-25% of their money towards the total startup costs.

Related: Finding the money to start a business

Keeping your business and personal finances in separate bank accounts is important to track the income and expenses of your business and identify trends.
 
Many banks offer free business checking accounts, so be sure to find a cost-effective option for your business.

A radio station will need to set aside a budget to cover marketing costs on a continuous basis. Common marketing techniques for a radio station include social media marketing and online advertising. Developing a website can be a significant expense, but it can also give your radio station greater visibility online.  You will be marketing to advertisers as well as listeners, and most of that will be done through direct sales calls.

Related: Low-cost ideas to market a new business

There are several types of insurance to consider when starting a radio station. A few of these include:
– General liability insurance can help protect you from third-party claims of bodily injury and property damage.
– Professional liability insurance protects you from claims of professional errors or negligence that result in a financial loss.
– Worker’s compensation insurance covers expenses like medical bills and legal fees that a business might face if an employee were ever hurt while working.

The cost to insure a radio station will vary based on a number of factors. To get the most accurate idea of what to budget for insurance, request quotes from multiple providers. When comparing the quotes, consider not only the premiums but also how the plan exclusions, coverage limitations, and deductibles compare.

Related: Common types of insurance a business may need

Depending on the hours of your station, employees such as DJs and sales staff will be needed.  Make sure that you select people with appropriate experience and training.

In addition to salary costs, your budget will also need to include other employee-related expenses. Workman’s comp insurance, unemployment insurance, and paid time off are common expenses that a business will need to cover when hiring staff.

Related: Hiring your first employee

Setting up an accounting system for your radio station is critical to the long-term success of your business.

Staying on top of taxes not only keeps the business out of trouble with the government but the numbers can be used to track and monitor trends and cash flow in the business and maximize profits.

Related: Setting up the accounting for your business