“Radio network” can mean a few different things, which is why it confuses people. In plain terms, it is a group of stations that share something: programming, branding, a company, or all three.
The common models
- Syndication. One producer makes a show and many stations broadcast it. A morning show or a weekly chart countdown are typical examples.
- Networked stations. Several stations under one brand and one owner, sometimes playing the same programme at certain hours and local programmes at others.
- Collectives. Independent stations that agree to share shows, promote each other and sometimes swap presenters.
Why broadcasters build networks
Sharing makes content cheaper to produce, extends the reach of the best shows and lets a small team serve more than one audience. A good programme only has to be made once to be heard in several places.
How it works online
Online, a network is simpler to run than on air because there is no transmitter in every town. Each station can be its own stream with its own audience, name and schedule. A network is then a decision about which content they share and when. A shared show can be recorded and scheduled on each station’s AutoDJ at the right time, or broadcast live to each stream from the same studio.
Start with one station
Most networks begin with a single successful station. Build a clear identity, a reliable schedule and a loyal audience first. See how to start an internet radio station. If you eventually want a second stream for a different genre or language, you can plan the content they will share and what they will keep separate.
Questions to ask before you expand
- Is there a distinct audience for a second station, or would it split your existing one?
- Can you make enough good content for both?
- Who will run each station day to day?
- What will be shared, and what stays unique?
Partnering rather than owning
You do not have to own a network to benefit from one. Swapping shows with friendly stations, guest-presenting on each other’s streams and promoting each other’s links costs nothing and brings new listeners to everyone involved.
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