QUICK QUESTION

[OneHorseTown]

This might be a dumb question, but it's just a question.

Let's say I had all the money in the world.

If I wanted to do something exactly like our buddy at KCDX, with no talent, no ads, no promotion...just the legal IDs...how much would that cost me?

What would the initial investment be, plus monthly operating costs? A location, licensing, legal rights to songs...let's say I'm a total novice...could someone or everyone please weigh in...because I truly have no idea...

Thanks in advance.

 

[KOHS]

Well, Dave Pratt could probably give you the numbers on setting-up a studio and all of the equipment. Just make sure his numbers don't include expenses for the Radio-Info.com bbq at Casa Pratt. ;D

When I 'Googled' the subject, I found this link: http://familypsalms.com/cost-to-start-radio-station/

 

[KeithE4]

Speaking of KCDX, did they finally move to that new site SE of Florence? They're all but inaudible even in east Mesa now. Forget Ahwatukee. It's been like this for a few weeks now.

Link: CP for KCDX

 

[Lazy J]

Usually, getting the license is the most expensive part. The price varies wildly based on city coverage, market, etc. I would rough estimate the KCDX construction permit to be worth $1 million to $5 million. And that's only if someone is willing to sell you their license, because there won't be any room for a new station in any major city.

If you were building a new station, you're probably looking at around $500k to get it all built.
Land $???
Tower $150k (depends on size and height)
Transmitter $70k (depends on power)
Antenna $25k (depends on size)
Building $50k

That doesn't even include the studio. These prices are VERY hard to quote because there are so many variables involved.

 

[davideduardo]

Usually, getting the license is the most expensive part. The price varies wildly based on city coverage, market, etc. I would rough estimate the KCDX construction permit to be worth $1 million to $5 million. And that's only if someone is willing to sell you their license, because there won't be any room for a new station in any major city.

That CP does not put a 65 dbu over anything but a tiny piece of the Phoenix MSA. 95% of the population covered is in Pinal and Gila counties.

Based on the recent sale of the Wickenburg station (as well as sales of operating and billing rimshots with real coverage in the PHX market), which is operating with studios and a transmitter, the KCDX CP along with the existing Florence operation is likely worth about $750 k to just around $1 million... it's one of those stations that really has no market to serve.

 

[OneHorseTown]

Thanks for the feedback.

And now I know how much KCDX is worth...and if I win when I win the $1 million in GOLD in the Health & Wealth Raffle, maybe the owner of KCDX will trade me?!

 

[kover]

I remember reading an article that said that KCDX cost something like $200,000 a year to run. In my opinion that is pretty high and comes out to almost $17,000 a month. We can be pretty certain that their isn't any loan or debt payments on the station and electricity isn't too much. The tower site is in the middle of nowhere so it shouldn't cost too much either. I have no idea about the cost of the music licenses. He along with his son also do all (or almost all) their own music selection and engineering work, so no salaries.

My guess is if music licenses run about $50,000 a year then with the other costs it would be about $100,000 a year to operate the station.