Start a community radio station

The French loi 1901 non-profit framework is ideal for a web radio with no commercial aim. The formalities are free:

• Draw up the statutes and hold a founding general meeting
• Register the association with the associations registry at the prefecture, or online
• Obtain the RNA number (a W followed by 9 digits), which you need to act in the association's name
• Publication in the Journal officiel (JOAFE) has been free since 2019

Playing music means paying the rights holders. Two organisations are involved:

• The SACEM for authors' rights. There is a community web radio package, starting at around 80 € excluding VAT per year per channel.
• The SPRE for neighbouring rights (performers and producers) on commercial recordings.
• Making podcasts available needs a further authorisation, from around 40 € excluding VAT a year.

The equipment stays within an association's reach:

• A stable internet connection, the first priority for live shows without dropouts
• One or more microphones, some headphones and a mixing desk
• Possibly a better sound card in the studio computer

Want advice? Take a look at our radio equipment, sorted by budget.

The Vestaradio hosting plan streams your station around the clock and gives you the manager to schedule your shows, build your playlists and organise several presenters. You can also add a radio website and a mobile app to bring your community together.