Below are four example levels of the costs of taking a project to radio. These are not high level promotions, but instead are designed for indie labels who are still learning the radio game, and who are still developing their product. These costs assume you already have manufactured at least 1000 CDs. If you require vinyl, costs will be more.
Level 1
Independent promoter for non-commercial radio: $3000
Postage: $500
Mailers: $100
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Total: $3600
Level 2
Independent promoter for non-commercial radio: $4000
Independent promoter for specialty/mixshow: $3000
Single (or promo-only EP) just for radio: $2000
Postage: $1000
Mailers: $100
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Total: $10,100
Level 3
Independent promoter for non-commercial radio: $8000
Independent promoter for specialty/mixshow: $3000
Ads in radio trade papers: $10000
Single (or promo-only EP) just for radio: $2000
Postage: $1000
Mailers: $100
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Total: $24,100
Level 4
Independent promoter for non-commercial radio: $8000
Independent promoter for specialty/mixshow: $3000
Independent promoter for small-market commercial regular rotation: $20000
Ads in radio trade papers: $20000
Single (or promo-only EP) just for radio: $2500
Postage: $1200
Mailers: $150
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Total: $54,850
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/radio/costs.htm
