Re: tower/transmitter ownership

Hi Joe

You probably realise but thought I'd mention that this newsgroup is more oriented towards "amateur" or "ham" radio non commercial systems. The rules/laws for operating amateur equipment are a lot "looser" than those for a commercial enterprise you are suggesting. The license cost is also far lower than what you are looking at.

I would suggest that shortwave broadcasting probably isnt going to do very well as a business enterprise given the set of technologies that are around now and coming soon. Satellite based systems and broadband networks are probably a more likely source. I realise that you mentioned that your market is more south of here but satellite radios (for example) will eventually be as cheap as shortwave radios and have much better audio quality. Given the capital investment you are thinking of I would think you wouldnt have enough time to realise a good return.

I might also suggest that the nature of shortwave propogation is that it isnt as reliable as you'd like. Stations like VOA handle this by using a number of different frequencies depending on conditions at the time. This obviously increases the $ investment in equipment/antennas and concerns over listener education (where to tune) may mean a loss of market.

re question 1;

You cant setup a system whereby the listener pays for receiving so your income stream is going to be more advertisers or others that might use the station for their own purposes. What does the Mexican, South American market want? I'll admit that this is somewhat beyond my experience.

I should point out that this topic isnt in my normal purvue. I hope however you find my comments useful.

Cheers Bob W5/VK2YQA East Texas.


DrJoe wrote:

Hello all,

I am new to the group but have a specific reason for joining. The
primary reason I joined, like many of you I am sure, is to get
information about short wave radio. My situation: I have the
appropriate parcel of land (110) acres that is free from any legal
impediments to building a short wave radio tower. The land is located
in West Central Alabama, in rural Fayette County.I also have the
necessary funding to build a short wave radio tower and transmitter.
The site has been evaluated as a perfect location that is virtually
free from any potential liability and from the perspective of reaching
millions of people in Mexico and Central America.


Questions for the group:


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


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


3. Who would the primary customer base be?
.

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