Radio 101

Everything you need to know about starting and running an internet radio station.

Starting a station

Running and growing it

All radio 101

Featured 18 min read

How Much Does a Radio Station Cost to Start, Run and Own? (2026)

What a radio station costs to start, run and own in 2026: an internet talk station from about $110 a year, licensed US music from $1,000 a year in SoundExchange fees alone, and the FCC fees behind FM.
Internet radio broadcasting studio setup with microphone and mixing console
radio 101 13 min read

How to Start an Internet Radio Station in 2026 (8 Steps, Real Costs)

Start an internet radio station in 8 steps: format, licensing ($0–$3,500/yr), equipment (from $200), software, streaming host, website, audience, monetization.

· internet-radio getting-started
Radio broadcasting software interface on a computer screen
radio 101 14 min read

Best Radio Broadcasting Software in 2026: 9 Internet Radio Tools Compared

The best radio and audio broadcasting software for 2026, by use case: SAM Broadcaster, RadioBOSS, RadioDJ, Mixxx, AzuraCast, Rivendell and more — verified prices, platforms, honest verdicts, and browser-based automation compared.

· broadcasting-software tools
Radio broadcasting equipment including microphone, headphones, and audio interface
radio 101 14 min read

Radio Station Equipment Guide: What You Actually Need in 2026

A practical guide to radio station equipment for internet broadcasters. Three budget tiers from $200 to $2,000 with specific product recommendations.

· equipment hardware
Growing radio station audience analytics dashboard
radio 101 10 min read

How to Grow Your Radio Station Audience: 15 Proven Strategies

Actionable strategies to grow your internet radio station audience. From SEO and social media to community building and cross-promotion.

· audience-growth marketing
Community radio station volunteers in a broadcasting studio
radio 101 15 min read

How to Start a Community Radio Station: A Practical Guide

Everything you need to know about starting a community radio station. From licensing and funding to volunteer management and building local engagement.

· community-radio getting-started
Radio station weekly schedule grid displayed on a website
radio 101 9 min read

How to Manage Your Radio Station Schedule Online

Best practices for managing and displaying your radio station's show schedule online. Keep listeners informed about what's playing and what's coming up.

· schedule radio-management
Legal documents and microphone representing radio licensing
radio 101 13 min read

Internet Radio Licensing Guide 2026: SoundExchange, PROs & Real Costs

What internet radio licensing really costs in 2026: SoundExchange's $1,000-per-channel minimum, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR, PPL and PRS in the UK — every fee cited to its source.

· licensing legal
Modern microphone next to vintage radio representing online vs traditional
radio 101 13 min read

Online Radio vs Traditional Radio: The Complete Comparison

Comparing online radio and traditional FM/AM broadcasting. Costs, reach, licensing, technology, and which is right for you.

· internet-radio comparison

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