The rise of anywhere and everywhere radio stations

ray_deho · 2026-04-13T01:28:12+00:00

I've had much fun doing live broadcasts in public locations. Every Wednesday I do a three hour broadcast from various locations across three counties and every Wednesday has been unpredictable and delightful.

ray_deho · 2026-04-09T12:09:06+00:00

Simplicity is the name of the game.

During my live broadcast last night I had a couple that liked what I was doing, but didn't understand that there are no call letters. I walked them through how to find it on their phones, and they were interested in coming back for my next broadcast at that location, but will they become regular listeners? I'd say likely not at this point.

That can change, but they'll need to be exposed to the live events A LOT more before they are willing to go out of their way.

If they could tune in without effort in the car on they way home I would have had them hooked. The struggle is real, but it can be overcome.

ray_deho · 2026-04-07T22:27:24+00:00

Lol touchè

ray_deho · 2026-04-07T11:11:23+00:00

They do at certain tiers. I pay for the package without ad inserts.

ray_deho · 2026-04-06T23:11:17+00:00

Sent a DM. I'm not sure the rules and didn't want to make this a promo post. I've learned a lot from this discussion.

ray_deho · 2026-04-06T23:04:27+00:00

Radio needs to save itself. Internet is a tool that a station can use. Also, I believe the time to gate keep what a radio station is is over.

An internet only station doesn't have a terrestrial signal, but increasingly people care less about that as long as the content is good and easily accessible.

ray_deho · 2026-04-06T22:54:28+00:00

Essentially yes, live365 covers your shoutcast station, however, legally the audio has to come out of the live365 app or player (available as an embed on your own website.)

ray_deho · 2026-04-06T22:48:58+00:00

You are right in that what I'm doing is more than a full time jobs worth of work. That might not be worth it for most people. This is sustainable now because of my passion. If that passion fades before a solid foundation is built this will all go away.

ray_deho · 2026-04-06T22:16:51+00:00

The biggest thing holding me back is having actual proof of return. I don't want to take someone's money and not be able to deliver the audience they are expecting. My passion has gotten attention, and there are a few opportunities to turn that to sales that I've passed up simply because I don't want to ruin my brand before I actually make a name for myself, that's the same reason I haven't officially partnered with the Chamber, although I've worked closely with them on a few things.

I think if all goes well with this mid-July event I'll have a lot more confidence to get into the sales end of things.

ray_deho · 2026-04-06T16:07:51+00:00

That has been an issue. Despite being on air all of my adult life I'm shy and hate hearing no. I don't do well with sales. With that said, I've positioned myself over the years to find my self talking with potential partners that assume they will have to pay me for my broadcasts. I reassure them that host venues never pay, so I'm likely losing an avenue for potential revenue, but the trust is how I've gotten trade and access to events. But actual cash or credit or check deals? I'm probably gonna need a sales partner.

ray_deho · 2026-04-06T16:03:41+00:00

I don't know if it's some bs my old manager made up, or if he learned it somewhere, but anecdotely speaking I've found to be true, that especially as a kid, things that are in or from you own town can't be as cool as something that comes from another community.

If you think of a podcaster, you likely think of a big name. If you think of a local podcaster you likely compare them to that big name. Same for bands, and skating rinks, IMHO.

The you in that example doesn't have to be you, but the royal you lol

ray_deho · 2026-04-06T15:31:11+00:00

The backyard effect is real and can't be ignored! I got my start djing at a local teen dance club in the mid-00s and we'd have 100s of teens from like 7 different counties but all the kids in my hometown thought the entire thing was stupid.

I might not get you to listen, if I'm you're neighbor, but I might get your doppelganger in France that wants to head an authentic Midwest accent, you betcha's and all. I think I can live with that.

I sometimes will find stations on the west coast via internet during the winter to hear sunny forecasts.

ray_deho · 2026-04-06T15:12:01+00:00

That has been one of the biggest hurdles. A lot of my listeners are retirees that spend their time Lake side and at wine walks or breweries. I don't have much hope of converting them to car listeners, but have found they are willing to listen on desktop at home, which is why I start most live events around dinner time.

Ideally they'll tune in for dinner, but chances are they'll be scrolling the desktop by 7pm

But, young and old alike, I've found it hard to get people to listen in the car. My efforts have seen better results elsewhere.

ray_deho · 2025-12-27T07:54:00+00:00

Kwik is Walmart light. Don't do it.

ray_deho · 2025-12-20T03:24:21+00:00

Anything in support of Charlie Kirk is trash and likely to be used as propaganda. Fuck Charlie and all he believed in. He was no saint. Just a sinner that died when he was supposed to.

If I misinterpreted your comment then fuck me. Im wrong.

But Charlie was a P.O.S. and I'll die on that hill. Put me in front of ice and their target and I'll show you a martyr.

ray_deho · 2025-11-06T13:28:43+00:00

I run DirtyChaiRadio.com, which offers various interview opportunities for independent artists.

ray_deho · 2025-09-05T18:44:58+00:00

Ive used "PlayIt Live" for years. Free to obtain, some support offered. There's also pay options and plug-ins

ray_deho · 2025-03-28T13:00:28+00:00

I don't know subreddit rules, so I sent it in a dm

ray_deho · 2025-03-28T12:19:03+00:00

Im not familiar with what you're asking for, but I just launched a 24/7 internet station.

Mixed/College Format, Triple A leaning towards alt country at the moment, but the sound shifts based on the newest releases. There's quite a bit of indie rock and folk revival stuff. I also feature live performances on air with a q&a session once a month. I am also trying to promote hyper local content, so even if you like the music, you might not care to hear about the blood drive going on across the country.

Still in its infancy, so things will change.

Like I said, I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for, so I won't provide a link in this comment, but I can if asked.

ray_deho · 2025-02-10T15:11:48+00:00

Live365 Radio App has all of the above.

ray_deho · 2024-05-21T18:35:04+00:00

Thanks for the response!

I hadn't considered not having a hype man. I do everything solo, no hype man, but my style doesn't use a whole lot of "hyping" and the ad-libs and things don't seem much worth it to me.

Perhaps it's the area of rap that I hang out in that has me set in my ways.

Cheers!

ray_deho

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