Live streaming is a fantastic way to expand your listener base and add a new dimension to your radio programming. Not only can you tap into the growing market of consumers listening to streaming audio on their smartphones, but you can also get your current listeners more engaged and listening longer. If you are thinking of live streaming your radio shows, here are five things to think about before you get started.

live streaming camera for radio

1. Get Your Studio Camera Ready

Take a look around your studio and think about what it will look like on camera. Your studio space may have been designed for acoustics but not for appearance. Perhaps it has been a while before anyone considered what it looked like. Don’t worry, you won’t need a complete renovation. Cameras don’t have to cover every inch of the studio, so some creative use of backdrops, paint, and posters may be enough to spruce up the space enough to look great on the live stream.

PTZOptics cameras for radio broadcasting

2. Don’t Forget the Lights

In the past, studio lighting was designed to help DJs, hosts, and operators see what they were doing. Now, with the addition of video live streaming, you will need to make sure that you have appropriate lighting. It will likely need to be a bit brighter in the studio but, with the right lighting configuration, everyone can look great on a camera without being blinded by the light.

Radio Broadcasters with PTZOptics cameras

3. Focus on the Audio

It can seem overwhelming to DJs and hosts to suddenly find themselves on camera. They may have been working in an audio-only medium for years. Help put them at ease by telling them that they can ignore the camera at first. They will still be hosting a radio show. The cameras are there to help listeners gain another perspective of the show. The hosts and guests don’t need to “talk to the camera” or worry about the shot. They can just do their thing and let the cameras capture the moment.

4. Consider Your Advertisers

Live streaming has the opportunity to add substantial value to your advertisers’ investments. Take some time to think about how you will handle the new opportunities. In addition to the possibility of an expanded audience, you can also add features such as video running during commercial breaks and on-screen sponsorships during program segments.

live youtube chatroom in radio broadcast

5. Leverage Social Media

No matter where you host your stream, make sure to take advantage of social media to promote your on-air and streaming programming. If you have guests, ask them to share their appearance on social media and be sure to tag them on your station social media accounts. If sharing your stream over services like Facebook and YouTube, be sure to monitor the comments and interact with your viewers.

And Don’t Forget

You have some creative people in your on-air talent pool. Remind them to have fun! They will likely find even more ways to leverage this new channel to reach new listeners and connect with them in new ways.

Learn more about live streaming radio and podcasting stations

• See how we WCHE 1520 AM radio starting live streaming on Facebook and YouTube here.
• Check out our technical guide on live streaming radio shows here.
• 5 things to consider before live-streaming a radio show here.
• The StreamGeeks review live streaming a radio station here.