Assess yourself as a musical act and determine what genre you are. Music genres -- rock, punk, grunge, metal and country, to name a few of the most popular -- are constructed categories which help to better organize musical artists and groups, and although you may fit into more than one, by assuming at least one main genre you can best promote your music, including through airplay on radio stations.
Write a list of local radio stations, research them and review their playlists. If your style of music does not fit their playlist, you probably have very slim chances of getting radio airplay through that station.
Record a demo tape or CD. Before any radio can play your music, you need a recording to give them. Choose a few of your best songs to include and ensure that the quality on the recording is the best it can be; any feedback or other errors can mean the difference between a radio station agreeing to play your music demo or tossing it in the trash.
Package the demo properly. The more professionally you present yourself and your music, the better chances you have of getting radio airplay. Have the demo CD or audio cassette in a case with a cover, and include pertinent information such as names of the songs on the demo and your contact information.
Record the names of the different radio stations you give a demo to and even the dates for each; this helps you keep track of everyone you have contacted and follow up with stations afterward for feedback.