What is a Special Event FM station?
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will allow special events to establish a full fledged FM radio station for a period of up to twenty-eight days. This station can have up to 50 watts of power - more than enough to cover a university campus or fairgrounds and several miles in each direction. Programming for the station can be tailored to suit the event. Although advertising is prohibited, sponsorship notices are allowed.
Is this a real radio station?
This is a real radio station in every sense of the word. It broadcasts a stereo signal with enough power to cover much of a small city. It uses the same professional transmitter and antenna that big stations use, and will sound just as good as any other FM radio station. The equipment used is approved by Industry Canada. We do not use “kits” or other amateur gear.
Who Can Host a Special Event Radio Station?
Any non-commercial special event can apply to establish a Special Event Radio Station. Examples would include car races and air shows; university homecoming weeks and sporting events; agricultural fairs and community celebrations. Please keep in mind that you still have to apply to the CRTC for a license if your event is of a political or religious nature.
Do I need to know how equipment works? Do I need to be a DJ to do this?
We can take care of all of the technical needs. We can provide a professional announcer to host your station, or we can teach your staff and volunteers to do the job. This is your radio station, and it should sound the way that you want it.
If your town or city has a college broadcasting department, we can work with their students, and even their studios. We’ll tailor our services to match the resources that you already have available.
What kind of programming can be done on a Special Event Radio Station?
Programming is developed to meet the needs of your participants, sponsors, and visitors.
During the setup and take-down, it can provide a convenient way of communicating with the people who are coming and going. During the event it can be used to guide visitors to parking lots, for emergency announcements, lost child reports, or to provide updates on activities on site.
Talk programming can include interviews with participants and sponsors. It would also be possible to interview long time participants to produce radio stories about the history of your event. We can provide a professional announcer, or your volunteers can be the on-air voice. For example, the people managing the parking lots could come on the air to give updates on which lots are empty or full, and where the traffic problems are.
Your radio station can also feature music. It can offer a great chance for new young artists to get their music played to people who might not otherwise hear them. It could also broadcast live performances from the on-site studios, or from concerts happening nearby.
Why is a Radio Station ideal for my Special Event?
Publicity Your Radio Station will be a powerful publicity and communications vehicle for people on and off site Your broadcast can be strong enough to reach neighbouring towns - this will generate excitement and encourage them to come down People can tune in before they get to the site - with advance publicity and road signs advertising the station, it? s a good way to attract people casually driving by.
On Site Communications
Indoors or outdoors, radio is an effective way to get messages out to people throughout the site. With FM radios every person on site can be listening - without the need for loudspeakers at every location. It is an efficient way to communicate schedule changes, upcoming events, parking information. The station can also be set up earlier than the event to communicate setup information to exhibitors, volunteers and staff. In some locations (seating areas or beer gardens) it may be suitable to set up speakers, where the music and talk which will be broadcast will enhance the festive atmosphere.
Education/Outreach
Programming throughout the day can include interviews with organizers, exhibitors, and sponsors. These interviews will enhance opportunities for people to learn about your event. Programming can showcase local talent by playing recorded works of local performers, or by having them perform live. Broadcasts of ceremonies and concerts on site can be arranged The interviews, performances, and other programming will create a historic record of the event which can be preserved for future generations.
Who can benefit from a Special Event Radio Station?
- University Students during homecoming and frosh week
Agricultural Fairs and Shows - Conferences and Conventions who need a unique and flexible way to communicate with their delegates.
- Annual events which take place over a large area
- Sporting events which want to broadcast to the surrounding town or city.
- Races and rallys
- Any large group who wants a fun and affordable way to spread the word!
Fundraising Possibilities (How can I pay for the station?)
Corporate Sponsorship - on air sponsorship
Although a Special Event Radio Station can’t run full advertisements, you can certainly mention your sponsors. A sponsorship package can be developed which matches the needs of both your event and the many vendors and organizations which take part.
Other funding may come from government granting agencies, foundations, and your own sponsoring organizations.
We can help you to develop a financial plan which will make your Special Event Station affordable. Talk to us about the possibilities.
Time lines
Licensing for a Special Event Radio Station requires a minimum of twelve weeks to prepare the engineering brief and have it processed by Industry Canada. There is no need for an application to the CRTC.
Developing programming can take longer - a six month lead time will be sufficient to contact both volunteers and exhibitors. After meetings and discussions with participants we will be able to design a programming package that fits the specific needs of your event.
If you have less time available, call us anyway. We may be able to get you on the air in less time.
Questions?
Phone, write, or E-mail us with any questions. We would love to talk to you.
Community-Media.com can coordinate all aspects of a temporary FM radio station. We can provide equipment, technical assistance and licensing, and we can design and produce the actual on-air programming.
Throughout this process we will work closely with your volunteers and organizers. Our goal is to create a programming package that serves as an important element of your event, that integrates volunteers, vendors, and fair goers, and which is genuinely entertaining to all of your listeners.