If a school or youth group does not have the resources for a licence, it is still possible to 'broadcast' or play out your radio programmes in a variety of other ways.

The main ones are:

• Streaming via the internet using an organisations's own server space - this is rare among schools, perhaps because it is unusual for a school to have the necessary dedicated, reliable connectivity to allow them to do this.
   
• Streaming and on-demand via the internet using a media server available to member organisations, such as the CMA (Community Media Association) - a number of online community stations use this method, either exclusively or simulcast with their RSL. Visit the CMA website for more information and to join. 
   
• Online on-demand, hosted via organisations such as RadioWaves, RadioAnywhere or Schoolstream.  For this system, schools join for a fee and then have their own 'radio station' section, loading the programmes and descriptions of them onto the server from their own school computers. For contact details, see the list of suppliers on our Resources page.
   
• Played out from the computer or CD player using headphones or speakers. This is used successfully by several schools which run a lunchtime radio station, for example Preston Manor and Weatherhead High School - it is a cost effective method of getting the programmes heard around a small space, eg. in corridors or the dining hall.  Creating a CD and using this to play to a school assembly or parents' evening is another way of 'broadcasting' children's radio work without a licence. For example, Dore Primary School used this method.

Let us know of other innovative radio projects in schools.
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