From: biby@seas.gwu.edu (Rich Biby
Subject: Re: How much to set up a station?
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: George Washington University 
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1992 15:25:08 GMT


In article <1992Jul25.112401.4181@gagme.chi.il.us> mayer@miami.ucs.indiana.edu (Darla Stewart) writes:
>
>In article <1992Jul23.080250.12022@gagme.chi.il.us> CK3
><ckukkone@jarthur.Claremont.EDU>  writes:
>
>>Please excuse my total and complete ignorance...but I am 
>>curious what would be the cheapest AM and FM setups that
>>I could have that would transmit in about a 30 mile radius.
>>Right now, I am a mere DJ but I would be really interested
>>in this info.  Also, I would like to know how much the
>>FCC charges stations.
>
>The trouble you'll find is varying prices for used equipment... but just for
>starters, here are a couple:
>
>(all equipment used)
>
>Transmitter (3KW) - $10,000
>Tower (incl Labor)- $ 8,000

Better be a short one for $8k. This would NOT include a ground system
if you want an AM station. ALSO not included is land -- this
can be much fore then then cost of the transmitter and tower combined.

>Antenna           - $ 5,000
>Transmission Line - $   900

Good estimates for a FM -- Double or triple for a AM and add land costs.

>
>That's for a Class A  FM station (3,000 watts)

Good estimate!

>
>A studio can be had for $10,000 or less, depending on what you insist it 
>include.

Yep. Some Radio Systems RS-12 or so console, and a couple of budget, but
OK CD players and you just about got it.

>
>For a new FM station, you'll probably incur the following charges for the
>construction permit application:
>
>Consulting Engineer - $ 2,000
>FCC Filing Fee      - $ 2,030 (but I heard it's going up)

Better act fast -- the fees are only going one way...

>
>That's assuming you do not enlist the aid of a communications attorney for
>your application... if you do, throw in another $2,000.
>
>Plus, you'll need an engineer to build the thing... at $30-40/hour. :)
>
>By the way, you MUST use a consulting engineer for your technical exhibits...
>no point in having your application dismissed because your technical isn't
>up to snuff

You don't HAVE to use a consulting engineer, but if you don't I'll be
out of a job... The FCC just announced they are relaxing their HARD LOOK
policy. They are going to give you three chances to revise an otherwise
defective application, so you could probably do your own
application and come to a consultant if there a problems later.

>
>That'll get you on the air, with a good strong signal about 15 miles in any
>direction from the tower.  That's FM.  The Commission is allowing VERY few
>new AMs.

True and not. The new AM rules are very restrictive and require moving
of a station to reduce interference by 10% to other stations. Anyway,
AM rules are a real messed up, historical, bunch of none-sense. Let me
tell you, cause I got a Construction Permit for a 22 KW station in 
Richmond, VA and I did the application myself... It is rough without
proper computer support.

>
>On the other hand, there are a number of stations available around t country
>where you can walk in for no money down, and assume a huge debt load... but 
>there's gotta be a reason the current owners can't make the payments.
>

Yep, probably because they paid too much in the 80s. People paid just too much
for stations a few years ago and can not do anything with them now. 
That is not serving the public interst...


>>[Moderator's Note:  Carl, the only ignorant question is one you don't
>>ask.  Now, I can't vouch for the answers you'll get :-) :-)]
>
>:) I won't vouch for this answer, either.

Man! I won't say anything for this answer!

Rich

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