I need some clarification

[Big_Ben]

I figured this is one of the best places in the world and on the net to get somthing explained!

For some time now, I believe the Lord has laid it on my heart to eventually start a Christian Hits station. When I first began to think about it, I was interning at a local family/religious TV station and talked with the station's GM. He explained to me that there are 3 types of stations (radio and TV)

1- Commercial-For Profit Stations (ex. most stations you see and hear) - they are owned by someone or a company and are out for profit, sometimes have shareholders, etc.

2- Non-Commercial Non-Profit Stations (ex. college and church stations) - they are owned by a public or private nonprofit body and the cant run "call to action" ads, etc etc

3- Commercial Non-Profit Stations (ex. the station that I interned for, a lowpower tv station that ran commercials but is owned by a "board") - He told me that he can still run commercials or "sponsorships" like any other station and it's still non profit because all the money is put back into the station and none goes to the greater body that owns it.

I have heard conflicting statements and would like to find out what exactlty to do. The FCC website is a bit intimidating to read through!

All I know is, I want to be able to run a station for Christian youth and not starve while I'm doing it! (unless that's His plan...but you know what I mean!)

If anyone is still with me on this and can point me in the right directions, I would GREATLY appreciate it!

Thanks!

- Ben

 

[scooterodell]

Those descriptions are pretty close to accurate. What you're dealing with is two things: there are two types of licenses (commercial and non-commercial) and two types of owners (for-profit and not-for-profit). Commercially licensed stations can run commercials and make "calls-to-action," and they can be owned by either for-profit or not-for-profit entities. Non-comm licensed stations must be operated by a not-for-profit entity, and they cannot make any type of "call-to-action" on behalf of a commercial sponsor; a "call-to-action" on behalf of a non-commercial sponsor, or on behalf of their ownership, is acceptable.

It sounds like you are looking to operate a commercially licensed station by a not-for-profit entity. You'll need to set up a not-for-profit corporation, probably at both the state and federal levels. That way any money received by the station could be tax-deductible. You will be able to sell commercials, but you can also raise money for the corporation through donations. I'm not an expert here, however. It would be wise to consult an attorney who specializes in not-for-profit corporations AND an attorney who specializes in FCC procedures.

 

[radiofish]

All I know is, I want to be able to run a station for Christian youth and not starve while I'm doing it! (unless that's His plan...but you know what I mean!)

It makes little difference if it's non-profit or commercial in terms of compensation. According to the 990 returns at guidestar.org, a number of Christian non-commercial stations compensate their staff well in excess of $100,000 and even $200,000+ (definitely not a Share-a-thon talking point! :-X).

 

[Big_Ben]

a number of Christian non-commercial stations compensate their staff well in excess of $100,000 and even $200,000+ (definitely not a Share-a-thon talking point! :-X).

WOW...yea I hope they have enough money to put into missions after payroll!

thanks to both of you for shedding some light on that and giving some great advice!

 

[William_Yeager]

It sounds like you may be starting something like KZZQ.

 

[Big_Ben]

It sounds like you may be starting something like KZZQ.

actually that's one of the stations I've added to my bookmarks and put on a list to contact and maybe meet with to see how they run things. great site, I've gotten alot of ideas from them!