On 30 Mar 2006 09:45:45 -0800, "DrJoe" wrote:

Hello all,

Hello,

I am sure by now you have figured out that this is a group of amateur
radio operators, however, I have looked into the same information with
the FCC a few years ago. For me it was very discouraging.

Questions for the group:


1. What are the potential financial rewards for owning and operating a
short wave radio transmitter/tower?

Potentially, you will probably do better with an AM broadcast station
than SW BC station. That is my uneducated guess....



2. How does an owner go about establishing a revenue stream from
potential purchasers of air time.

I know that a few SW BC stations make money from commercial sales,
however, the majority are non-profit organizations or government run
stations without a means of making income.


3. Who would the primary customer base be?


You have to determine your market. If you are broadcasting to Mexico,
you will have to find someone wanting to market to them. A few
stations are broadcasting to US markets part time for commercial
revenue and also to foreign countries. SWBC requires the majority of
your content to be directed at the foreign listeners.


Comments or suggestions?


The cost of setting up and getting approval of a SWBC station will
very likely exceed $1 million. I believe minimum power is 50 KW, which
requires electricity at premium pricing. Transmitter specifications
are strict and, if I was correctly informed, since your station is
international, it will require you have on board when it is
transmitting, a General RadioTelephone licensed engineer.


Thank you,


You are welcome.

DrJoe (newbie)


I once dreamed of owning my own SWBC station. Every time I
investigate the requirements, I find my dream is more like a
nightmare.

Wishing you the best,

73
Buck


--
73 for now
Buck
N4PGW