Setting up a station abroad

[Paul_Power]

Hi everyone,

Just been made redundant from a radio station in the UK. No great deal - been there 15 years and could see it coming.

Anyway, I was staff (so unlike many of my young counterparts who are on freelance contracts) I get a big(ish) pay-off!

I'm wanting to put that money into setting up an ex-pat station abroad (possibly Greece, Canary islands - but open to ideas).

If anyone wants to get involved please let me know.

I've got the presentation/management know-how........ but no 'technical' know-how (hence the posting in this thread)........... so if you have that experience it would be a good mix to get going.

[Mike]

If youre going the unlicenced route Greece is probably a safer bet than the Canaries.
Basically if you dont have anyone with technical know how the first thing you have to do is find someone who does (and is not just a Bull$h1tter) who would be interested in relocating to the Mediterranian.
Youd also need someone who knows the commercial/financial/legal situation out there

[Transmitters 'R' Us]

Paul,

I import equipment from Greece so if you end up there make sure your tech installs equipment that can withstand 50Deg summer heat!

Most of the Italian made stuff does not live in that enviroment so consider buying something locally.

It's still pretty much a free for all in Greece but you don't have the large ex-pat communities that you do in other parts of the med.

Good luck.

[timkelly]

Good luck in ur project I think Europe is a great idea.
Has anyone got info' on portugal ?

Regards

[Paul_Power]

Thanks everyone for your help.

Nice advice about Greece - also like the Portugal route (Algarve is a big ex-pat location).

And what about mainland Spain? - or are there too many ex-pat stations on the Costa Del Sol? (From memory of a holiday 2 years back there were a lot of them - but all very poor!)

[KJ]

Is it true anyone can just "buy" a license in Gran Canaria for around 10K?

KJ

;)

[timkelly]

Very interesting Kelly about the 10 k thing, where did you hear about this ? I would be very interested in getting more info on this and the rest of latin europe.


Regards. Timbo

[Paul_Power]

I've got to admit I've never heard of this 10k licence in the Canary Islands, and I've done a bit of research of late.

The authorities (so I've heard) are now cracking down on illegal broadcasters in Spain/Canararies. It is something that is fuelled by their music copyright agency - but not their radio licence agency as such. i.e. the record companies are putting pressure on the copyright people to get them to demand that pirate stations get closed down. There is also talk of heavy financial penalties and a severe form of denouncing where they can freeze your bank accounts, credit etc (anywhere in the EC)

Therefore I have decided against the Spain/Canaries location!! - but I am looking into Portugal and the Algarve.

[Ryan Phillips]

Was looking for some info on the whole licensing aspect of radio in the canaries. Who ever knew that not being able to speak Spanish could be such a handicap?? And they steal all our fish, some nerve! Anyway, stumbled across this page. Am I the only one astounded by the sheer number of stations that seem to be broadcasting to such a small place??http://www.radioes.net/provincia.asp?radio=Las%20Palmas%20de%20 Gran%20Canaria (select las palmas as the seleccione provincia)

It might be an idea to get in touch with these guys www.powerfmradio.com They broadcast to all of the canaries and they are English so the whole language barrier shouldnt be a problem. Easiest way to find out, ask someone with a license how they got it!!!

[Macers]

Or just ask Tony L

[KJ]

Hi Tim,

Heard the 10K thing from a resident Irish Gran Can Jock. This was a couple of years ago tho' so the picture might be different now

KJ

;)