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How to Start a Shortwave Radio

Starting a shortwave radio station is not as difficult as you might think. Shortwave radio stations broadcast at frequencies from 1700 kHz to 30 MHz and can be received by most modern radio receivers capable of processing AM signals. While the technical aspects of starting a shortwave station are not too sophisticated, making your radio station a popular one can be challenging.

Things You'll Need

High-quality programs interesting for many listeners
Business plan
Shortwave radio set-up kit

Instructions

- 1
  Get an idea of what your radio station will broadcast and write the scripts for your programs. Decide whether you'll broadcast live or offer recorded programs. Also think about who will be your radio presenters.
- 2
  Write a business plan for your shortwave radio station. How do you plan to make money to cover the capital and operating expenditures? Determine whether you will be supported by advertising or grants from charities. Also, calculate all the costs you will incur.
- 3
  Apply for a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You can apply online for a license to operate a shortwave radio station. You will have to provide information on what programs you will broadcast, and some information about the owner(s) of the station.
- 4
  Set up the equipment for your shortwave radio station. You can buy a shortwave radio set-up kit from any major radio store or online. Read the manual that will come with the kit carefully and follow its instructions. Building your own transmitter and antenna may be less costly, but this task is not for an average person as it requires strong knowledge of radio technology and electronics.
- 5
  Start broadcasting. You can start by playing your own programs. If you are successful, you can attract investors, hire staff and move to the FM frequency, which is more popular among radio listeners.

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