Humanity has now found itself in an age where the way information is shared has witnessed a tremendous revolution. Credit however must be given to the early means of disseminating information which included the beating of drums or town criers who went round the villages passing across information to the people. This was mostly the case in African societies, and in particular Nigeria. The radio station is in focus, as this article provides critical information on the cost of starting a radio station in Nigeria.
Today, there are several private radio stations across Nigeria. These are made up of both public/government and private stations. Private radio ownership blossomed when Nigeria witnessed a change from military dictatorship to civilian rule. This made way for greater press freedom, hence the deregulation of the industry.
Affordability of Starting a Radio Station in Nigeria
Owning a radio station in Nigeria does not come cheap as several equipment need to be purchased. These equipment range from transmitters, microphones, studio equipment, sound mixers, among a wide variety of others. To achieve the widest reach possible, certain high tech equipment are necessary to increase coverage.
Cost Implications of Starting a Radio Station
Apart from renting or building the station, certain equipment need to be purchased to achieve smooth broadcast transmissions. These equipment range from the least expensive to the very expensive. Below are some of the required equipment a well established radio station in Nigeria should have;
Equipment for the Production Control Room
– Standing Microphones N720,000
– Jack Panels with Cords N1,728,000
– Turntable arms N43,000
– Non-linear editing systems N10,800,000
– Stereo turntable preamps N142,200
– Headphones N46,800
– Audio limiters N216,000
– Direct drive turntables N540,000
– 6 inch equipment rack N540,000
– Stereo turntable cartridges N18,000
– CD players (broadcast quality)1 N720,000
– Ground strap and components N1,260,000
TOTAL N16, 774,000
On-Air Control Room
– Microphones with booms N540,000
– Distribution amplifiers N126,000
– Headphones N46,800
– Monitor amplifier N180,000
– Speakers N360,000
– Analogue or Digital audio control N9,360,000
– Audio network router N19,800,000
– Direct Drive Turntables N270,000
TOTAL N30, 682,800
The News Control Room
– Audio console with monitor amplifier N2,880,000
– Speakers N180,000
– Flash card recorder N216,000
– Microphones N216,000
– Microphone Stands N50,400
– Laptop PC with flash card reader N540,000
– 2 Headphones N108,000
– Mic for portables N46,800
TOTAL N4, 237,000
The Scope of Operation
The size and scope of the operations of the radio station is very vital. The size of the radio station also determines the cost implications. In Nigeria, bigger radio stations with more than one news control room, on-air control and production control rooms require higher capital for starting. However, the equipment provided above are the basic cost implications of equipment.
Selecting Your Workforce
This is a critical stage of starting a radio station, as it requires able and skilled hands with considerable years of experience. The average salary of skilled workforce is within the N60, 000 to N70, 000 ranges. The cost implications of the wage bill depend on the number of workforce to be selected.
Conclusion
There you have it! The above are cost implications of starting a radio station in Nigeria. Using the information provided, it gives a clear picture of the funds required to start/open one. However, the rent/building costs are excluded due to the difference in real estate value from city to city.
If the radio station is to be established in bigger cities like Lagos, the start-up costs will be more substantial. In smaller cities like Bauchi or Kogi, States, the cost implications will be much reduced.
source: wealthresult
