Radio broadcasters may be broken into at least deuce different groups:

Public service broadcasters are funded around whole or even in section across public money. This can be across money received directly from either the government, or, when in the UK, across the license fee. the license tax is often protected by law & placed per government, & is needed for any home which contains devices which may be utilized to receive a TV signal.

Commercial broadcasters (also known as independent local radio in the UK) are largely funded through the sales of advertising spots on their radio station. Commercial stations come typically quite local, & might keep around a bit of public service commitments within their permit.

In a UK, the radio industry regulator Ofcom are looking to establish the third tier of radio, known as community radio. These radio stations is fairly little & rerun by community groups.