Different types of radio stations

What are they and how are they broadcast?

FM / DAB / Satellite
FM = Frequency Modulation. In analogue frequency
modulation, for example, FM radio that broadcasts
voices or music is the instantaneous frequency
deviation. FM is used all over the world for radio
broadcasting, as well as telemetry, radar, and a lot
more.

DAB = Digital Audio Broadcasting or Digital Radio. It is

a high definition way of broadcasting audio via radio
and is converted from analogue (e.g. FM/AM) into
digital signal and transmitted.

Satellite = Is a radio service that uses the satellites in

space to broadcast audio to earth. The satellite
spectrum is called the S band.

Internet / Podcast
Internet = Internet radio/web radio/net
radio/streaming radio/e-radio/online radio/webcasting
is a radio service which is broadcasted over the
internet. Many traditional FM, DAB and Satellite radio
stations are transitioning to internet radio due to its
ease of access and popularity.

Podcast = A podcast is a digital audio file on the

internet which can be downloaded and listened to at
any time.
Regulatory bodies
Please upload information in your own words, print screen
regulations and upload images as part of your research

OFCOM What are they? How can they help

Ofcom is in charge of They can support
regulating communications consumers of different
in the UK. They are in forms of media and
charge of TV, radio and communication. They
video-on-demand sectors, can give advice, deal
fixed-line telecoms, mobile with complaints, and
https://www.ofcom.or and postal services, plus the much more.
g.uk/tv-radio-and-on- airwaves over which
demand/advice-for- wireless devices operates.
consumers/radio2/gui
de-to-community-
radio

PRS What are they? How can they help

PRS provides music licenses
for educational
establishments such as
schools, colleges,
universities, nurseries,
crches and playgroups.
http://www.prsformusi
c.com/users/business
The licenses allow the
esandliveevents/musi
establishments to have legal
cforbusinesses/educat
rights to play music.
ionalestablishments/P
ages/educationalesta
blishments.aspx
Music has been proven
to positively impact
students and the way
they learn, increasing
their enthusiasm and
productivity.
The rights to play music
can also be used to
benefit the
establishments in other
ways including fetes,
 discos,
classes and
educational
community
events.

Student radio What are they? How can they help

organisation
The UK Student Radio
Association is a volunteer
run organisation, which
encourages people within
the student radio
https://www.studentra community. They are linked
dio.org.uk/ to educational
establishments as well as
student individuals involved
in radio/audio projects.
The Student Radio
Association works
alongside people and
companies within the
audio and radio industry
to offer members
support, advice and
opportunities.
Their aim is to improve
student radio (e.g.
improving skills,
improving output)

Setting up an online or FM station

http://www.radioandtelly.co.uk/settingupanonlineradiostation.html
http://www.radioandtelly.co.uk/startaradiostation.html
http://www.radioandtelly.co.uk/communityradiocosts.html

Thi
ngs When setting up an online or FM station, you should consider a variety of
to things, such as:
con
sid Cost: What is the cost of setting up? What are the running costs?
er How much is the equipment? Can you afford to keep it running?
Music - (Copyright, PRS and MCPS licenses) Can you afford the
appropriate licenses? Are you eligible for the licenses?
 Music Copyright - PPL License Can you afford the
license? Are you eligible for the license?
Studio Equipment What equipment do you need?
Where will you get it from? Can you afford it?

Mu
sic The majority of music is copyrighted and there are bodies that look after
cop the rights to songs through licensing.
yrig
ht PRS (Performing Right Society). PRS represents the artists and
(2 composers, and they collect the royalties from broadcasters for
diff music that is played on TV, radio and online. www.prsformusic.com
ere PPL (Phonographic Performance Ltd). PPL collects royalties in
nt respect of music played by radio stations on behalf of record
typ companies. www.ppluk.com
es MCPS (Mechanical Copyright Protection Society). MCPS collects
royalties in respect of music reproduced for use by radio stations.
Much of the backing music used on radio or in radio promos and
commercials comes from MCPS library music.
www.prsformusic.com
The majority of UK music radio stations have a blanket license,
which allows them to play whatever they wish. In return, they
must produce an annual license fee, as well as sample days.
Cos The cost of starting a streaming station would depend on the
ting software you choose. Icecast (http://www.icecast.org/) is a
s free streaming media server, which can be used to create an
for internet radio station. Shoutcast (https://www.shoutcast.com/) is another
a free software which allows you to make an internet radio station. These
Str have been recommended by radioandtelly.com.
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Liv Depending on the budget there are a variety of free and paid for
e softwares and websites we could use for streaming our radio sations live.
stre Here are a few I have found on the internet:
ami
ng SAM Broadcaster https://spacial.com/what-we-do-features/
we Radio DJ http://www.radiodj.ro/
bsit Ustream http://www.ustream.tv/
es
tha
t
can
hos
t
our
radi
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stat
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Ite Studio Equipment
ms An audio mixing desk with enough microphone and music
for channels
an Behringer Xenyx 802 Mixer 48.00 http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-
FM and-Lighting/Behringer-Xenyx-802-Mixer/2A9?origin=product-
radi ads&utm_campaign=PLA+Shop+-
o +Behringer&utm_medium=vertical_search&network=google&adgroup=
stat 1+-+Product+Level+-
ion +Behringer&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=2961d1&product_count
wit ry=GB&product_partition_id=111959736799&gclid=CjwKEAiAirXFBRCQy
h vL279Tnx1ESJAB-G-
cos Qvdp4w4Q9dY2PxTYT4q_B65nTfX1M3iXZmuaNChtP_lRoCURjw_wcB
ting A Microphone (or multiple mics for guests), plus mic stands
s Stand: Tie Studio Flexible Broadcast Mic Stand 16.99
http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Tie-Studio-Flexible-
Broadcast-Mic-Stand/1MIW?origin=product-
ads&utm_campaign=*PLA+Shop+-
+All+Products&utm_medium=vertical_search&network=google&adgrou
p=**All+Products&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=75848d1&produc
t_country=GB&product_partition_id=41477300408&gclid=CjwKEAiAirXFB
RCQyvL279Tnx1ESJAB-G-Qvqhp4a4hMLOjFVvm-
yfwnI3wagaNznm9pIAfFj_genBoCmqfw_wcB
Microphone: Dynamic Vocal Microphone by Gear4Music 9.99
http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Dynamic-Vocal-
Microphone-by-Gear4music/94N?origin=product-
ads&utm_campaign=PLA+Shop+-
+G4M&utm_medium=vertical_search&network=google&adgroup=G4M.
+Microphones&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=11831d1&product_c
ountry=GB&product_partition_id=87607245439&gclid=CjwKEAiAirXFBRC
QyvL279Tnx1ESJAB-G-
Qv5n61HrqG2cSj1pcY85sK_ugToMZP0rzmFvi5nQdz_hoCSMHw_wcB
Headphones
Sony MDR-ZX220BTB On-Ear Wireless Headphones Black 49.00
http://ao.com/product/mdrzx220btb-sony-headphone-black-44250-
178.aspx?
&WT.z_PT=AV&WT.z_AT=Headphone&WT.z_MT=Search&WT.z_RTM=PLA&
WT.z_MAT=Sony&WT.z_DT=c&WT.z_FT=Free
%20Standing&WT.z_PC=MDR-ZX220BTB&WT.srch=1&wt.z_cn=AV%20-
%20Headphones%20-%20Gen&wt.z_ag=type%20generic&wt.z_kw=mdr-
zx220btb&gclid=CjwKEAiAirXFBRCQyvL279Tnx1ESJAB-G-
QvnF0R33yInIL8vKr1S25Joq5nGoRu2wS8b4ZBFSNYGhoC57Pw_wcB
Speakers and a speaker amplifier
Speakers: Mackie C43 Studio Monitors (Pair) 90.00
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/204402903/active-monitors/mackie-cr3-
studio-monitors-pair?
LGWCODE=204402903;56375;6335&gclid=CjwKEAiAirXFBRCQyvL279Tn
x1ESJAB-G-QvkfUe_Pq-oSy4Q9VbCcmR7fWbVtG2gx4TGCPVq-
 pIbBoCPJnw_wcB
Amplifier: RS Pro Power Amplifier 0A935N, 35 W, 120 V ac,
240 V ac 154.00 http://uk.rs-
online.com/web/p/products/3307477/?
grossPrice=Y&cm_mmc=UK-PLA-_-google-_-PLA_UK_EN_Office_Supplies-
_-Audio_Equipment&mkwid=sBNcoD9EO_dc|pcrid|88057048923|pkw||
pmt||prd|3307477&gclid=CjwKEAiAirXFBRCQyvL279Tnx1ESJAB-G-
QvuVUjpUGrnLXN67Dd4IFGAJ-fYISWB6An2imgI9kSexoCQ6Tw_wcB
Cabling and connectors to connect it all together
Headphone Cable: AKG EK300 Headphone cable, 3m, 3.5mm Jack Plug
To Mini XLR 14.70 http://www.gear4music.com/G4M/AKG-EK300-
Headphone-Cable-3m-35mm-Jack-Plug-To-Mini-XLR/TMR?origin=product-
ads&campaign=PLA+Shop+-
+GENERIC&adgroup=GENERIC&medium=vertical_search&network=goo
gle&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=38403d1&product_country=GB
&product_partition_id=87583760959&gclid=CjwKEAiAirXFBRCQyvL279T
nx1ESJAB-G-QvNpKlK5IkthY5zURT2PDGH6ZvK0RGEe-LB1LpHMLE5BoCc-
7w_wcB
Microphone Cable: XLR (M) Balanced 1/4inch Jack Pro Cable, 3m
5.99 http://www.gear4music.com/G4M/XLR-M-Balanced-1-4Inch-Jack-
Pro-Cable-3m/8KZ?origin=product-ads&campaign=PLA+Shop+-
+GENERIC&adgroup=GENERIC&medium=vertical_search&network=goo
gle&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=11123d1&product_country=GB
&product_partition_id=121022083039&gclid=CjwKEAiAirXFBRCQyvL279
Tnx1ESJAB-G-
QvAsB32BI_XuzzoBhlZJndGnZww8L3nX1awnFUjC2VsBoC7v3w_wcB
Tra
ns Purchase or rental of a transmitter
mis Connecting the studio to the transmitter (phone line, internet,
sio radio or microwave)
ns Transmitter installation and set up (must be done professionally
nee within the Ofcom rules)
ded Maintenance (repairs and emergency cover)
for Transmission of RDS data and travel flag
a
FM
radi
o
stat
ion
Diff With a live internet radio, it is a lot more natural. It will not be
ere perfect because you will have to think about what you are
nce going to say. There will be errs and umms because that is
bet how people speak and it will be unedited. It is good to have it live so
we people can call in and speak to you, you are up to date with current
en affairs and it is more natural to listen to. However, things can go wrong.
par Somebody talking may say something, which is inappropriate. They
t could swear, or say something politically incorrect, which could offend
live somebody.
and
pre On the other hand, with a pre-recorded show, you have the chance to
- correct anything that is not right. You can get rid of errs, umms,
rec anything offensive, and things you do not like. This can be good if you
ord have strict rules and you can monitor what goes out to your audience.
ed However, this stops you from talking about current affairs, talking to your
for listeners live on the phone and it makes it unnatural to listen to.
inte
rne
t
radi
o

Other information useful to setting up a radio station:

Below is some information from the Ofcom website regarding the rules of Radio
in the UK:
Ofcom is providing this guidance note to assist radio broadcasters in their
compliance with Ofcom Broadcasting Code (the Code) rules relating to
offensive language on radio, in particular in relation to:
Lyrics in music tracks;
 Live music performances/interviews/studio conversation; and
speech and comedy content.
In live programming, it is difficult for broadcasters to prevent the
use of potentially offensive language, on the occasions that this happens.
However, in such circumstances, listeners would expect to see quick action from
the broadcaster to prevent further incidents and an apology.
Children enjoy a wide variety of music. However, where lyrics in songs might
cause them or their parents distress or offence, broadcasters should consider
taking measures that may mitigate any potential offence e.g. the possible use of
track remixes and edits. Broadcasters should take particular care when
broadcasting music tracks at times when children are particularly likely to be
listening.
Where a radio broadcaster believes there is a risk that offensive language might
be transmitted during an upcoming live broadcast: that is to be scheduled at a
time when children are particularly likely to be listening; or by artist(s) who are
likely to appeal to children, it could consider taking the following compliance
steps:
undertaking an appropriate risk assessment of the likelihood of offensive
language being used by particular artists;
Warning artists and their representatives against the use of offensive language
during live broadcasts, in advance, and if necessary, immediately prior to an
artists appearance;
providing appropriate warnings before and during the broadcast; and/or
If offensive language is used, providing appropriate apologies at the earliest
opportunity, ideally during the relevant programming.
Radio broadcasters should take care when broadcasting songs, which include
clearly adult-oriented material. Ofcom recognises that there is a tradition of
certain genres of music (e.g. Urban and R&B), at times, referencing various adult
themes in their songs, such as the taking of drugs and sexual activity. However,
radio broadcasters should avoid broadcasting lyrics that clearly focus on the
taking of drugs, sexual acts or behaviour, or convey a clearly sexualised theme,
when children are particularly likely to be listening.