7 Common Misconceptions About Starting an Internet Radio Station

There is lots of confusion around the topic ‘starting an online radio station’ and we are here to bring clarity. In this post we will bust 7 common myths and misconceptions so you can have more confidence about embarking on the internet radio journey.

1. I need a big budget to buy equipment

Many people think that they need super professional equipment in order to start an internet radio station. In fact, you can start with very little investment.You could of course spend thousands of dollars for studio equipment but if you’re on a limited budget you could start with less than $200. For a simple setup you will need a laptop/computer, a USB mic, a pair of headphones, and an internet connection. You will also need an internet radio broadcasting software like Airtime Pro with plans starting from as low as $10/month. Below is an example of a basic set up to help you with your research:

Audio Interface: Behringer ZB791 UMC22 Audiophile 2×2 USB Audio Interface: $58.99
Mic: NASUM Computer Microphone: $24.99
Mixing Desk: Behringer XENYX 1202 Mischpult: $79.6
Headphones: OneOdio DJ Headphone: $32.99
Software: Airtime Pro Hobbyist: $9.95 / per month

Total cost: $206.52

Be sure to check out our guide: 10 Essential Pieces of Equipment for Online Radio Newbies Looking to Become Broadcasting Pros.

2. I need to be a professional radio DJ to start an internet radio station

You don’t need to have any experience. You can start by playing your favourite music. You can use jingles to make your programme sound more professional. Our friends at Music Radio Creative offer some free DJ drops and jingles. If you want to broadcast live and have a killer radio show then it might take some time till you become a superstar. Find your ‘voice’ and style, be yourself and play nice music.

3. I need to have my own website to have an online station

You don’t need to have a website to start an online radio station. Internet radio software such as Airtime Pro provides a unique radio page for your radio station. That page has all the essential tools you need to get started. You can place your logo, your radio widget, your social media icons, your station’s schedule and track artwork. The main advantage with this option is that you don’t have to build a website from scratch which would take time, effort and money to build and to maintain (website theme, domain name, hosting, etc). At the same time, it’s important to know that the radio page is not fully customisable. For example, if you build your own website you will be able to show ads and make money, implement a chat so that you can communicate with your listeners, use a blog to share news with your audience, etc. 

In order to reach a wider audience you can list your station in online radio directories like Streema and TuneIn.

4. I need a proper studio

That’s another common misconception. People think that in order to run an internet station you need to have a soundproof studio and expensive setup with a mixing console with plenty of knobs and super professional microphones. As we mentioned in point 1, you can broadcast from the comfort of your home. The equipment you will need is: your laptop, a decent internet connection and a microphone.

5. I need to have technical knowledge to start an online radio station

That would be the case some years ago. However, nowadays there are plenty of radio broadcasting solutions out there that make it super easy for anyone to start an internet radio without a hassle. For example, if you decide to start your station with Airtime Pro, you won’t need to have any technical knowledge whatsoever and it will take you less than five minutes to set up your station and broadcast live. Here is a short video by Mike Russell from Music Radio Creative that shows you how to do exactly that.

6. Internet Stations don’t make money

That’s simply not true. There are plenty of ways you can monetise your station and make money from it. The truth is that it won’t happen from day one and it will take time and effort from your side to grow your listenership and make money with your station.

Check out our blog post on how to make money with your station.

7. I will need to broadcast 24/7

You don’t need to be on top of your station 24/7. Airtime Pro makes it super easy to create and schedule playlists and plan for months in advance with the calendar management function. Whenever you want, you can easily switch between pre-recorded and live programming. Also, the AutoDJ functionality helps you fill the gaps in your program schedule without the need to choose songs.

Now that you know how easy it is to start an internet radio station, all you need to do is choose your software. Airtime Pro offers a seven-day free trial so you can see if it’s the right platform for you. 

Sign up here today.