A Historic Opportunity to Start a Radio Station
Interested in starting a community radio station?
Great! We want to help. If you want Prometheus to provide you with updates, resources, and support to start a station then SIGN UP NOW FOR UPDATES!
Will there be a frequency available in your location? Find out using our new Zip Code Channel Check!
Local nonprofits will soon have a one-time chance to own and control media outlets nationwide. The recent passage of the Local Community Radio Act was the culmination of a successful ten-year organizing campaign by Prometheus Radio Project and media justice groups to give ordinary people a voice over the airwaves.
Later this year nonprofit organizations across the country will have a historic opportunity to apply for thousands of new low power FM radio licenses, including availability for the first time in urban areas! Prometheus is supporting groups to apply for licenses and get on air.
These new non-commercial stations could feature diverse voices broadcasting independent local news, local music and arts, and compelling programming that's absent from the profit-driven airplay of corporate media.
Community radio stations can amplify the voices of people addressing important issues in their communities. They have proven to be impressive organizing tools for exposing government corruption, cleaning up toxic waste, winning better working conditions, and promoting local arts and culture. Radio is still the most common point of connection today - with 90% of Americans listening to radio each week. Read inspiring stories of how groups currently use radio for community transformation.
Now, as our communities face profound economic and social challenges, the largest expansion of community radio in U.S. history offers a valuable resource to unite people, seek solutions, and build popular participation. Over the coming months Prometheus Radio Project will prepare hundreds of groups nationwide to successfully apply for stations and build a new wave of multimedia community radio stations.
Prometheus will provide:
- Information on everything you need to know to start a station
- Regular updates about what you need to do when
- Trainings and materials
- Help filing the application
- Workshops at upcoming conferences
- Connections to other groups in your area
- Ways to connect with existing stations to get answers
- Demystification of technology and policy
- Referrals for engineers and lawyers as needed
- Tools to start making media now
What's the timeline? How much does it cost? How far does low power FM reach? These questions and more are answered on our handy FAQ page!
What could your community do with a radio station? What could our movements do with thousands of them?
