How To Start A Radio Station In South Africa

Below is How To Start A Radio Station In South Africa

How do I start a radio station in South Africa?

Well, first and foremost, the community broadcaster needs to be registered with the government body, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Once a license has been obtained through ICASA, the community broadcaster can approach SAMRO for a music user license.

Apply for a community broadcasting service license in South Africa

The community broadcasting license allows a non-profit organization to serve the broadcasting needs of a community for a maximum of four years. It is renewable on the condition that you have complied with the conditions set out by the licensing authority.

Special event community sound licenses can be issued for a period not exceeding 45 days.

Temporary community television licenses can be issued for a period not exceeding one year.

A four-year community broadcasting license may be granted for a:

  • sound broadcasting service
  • television broadcasting service.

The Department of Communications supports four-year licensees with broadcast and production equipment, provided they meet the requirements of the Department.

Note: The Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (Icasa)(link is external) issued a moratorium on the licensing of terrestrial community television licenses on 29 March 2010. It issued a moratorium on new applications for community radio stations on 22 September 2015.

More information on licenses is available on the Icasa website(link is external), or contact them at:

Tel: 012 568 3000/3001

How much does it cost to start a radio station in South Africa?

The cost of equipment to set up a fully functioning radio station costs between R450 000 and R1.5million.

How can I start my own FM radio station?

Apply for a frequency. It may take a long time before you’re assigned a frequency [source FCC].

Apply for a license. It’s illegal to operate an unlicensed radio station, even at extremely low power [source: FCC].

Establish a source of funding.

[Top] 10 Radio Station in South Africa

StationAudience
1Ukhozi FM7 504 000
2Umhlobo Wenene FM5 394 000
3Metro FM4 267 000
4Lesedi FM3 084 000
5Thobela FM2 643 000
6Motsweding FM2 356 000
7Gagasi FM1 654 000
8RSG1 339 000
9Ligwagwala FM1 161 000
10iKwekwezi FM1 125 000