Do it Yourself Radio station

I could be wrong but that's last I heard (and this was many years ago) Radio (Analogue) signals require a FCC license for anything past a mile if I'm remember correctly. The range could be more but I haven't looked at "walke talkie" radio ranges in a long time.

It be a cool idea though to make one. Maybe use it in a group camping like scenario.

What about HAM radios? You have to get a license, but I heard like it's easier than getting a driving license

HAM is the way to go. There are tons of areas you can explore depending on your interest. You can purchase off the shelf equipment, use one of the many kits and tutorials online to build your own. Not only can go 60 miles but around the world. There are also different areas within the hobby to suit your needs, whether you want to learn and use Morse code, two way radios for voice, computer controlled radios and digital radios. The other advantage is that by getting properly licensed you won't run afoul of the FCC but more importantly you can meet large groups of people who share your interest and will help you along. I would start with the Amateur Radio Assoication at arrl.org. They can help you get started if you're interested.

ARRL can be a great way to serve your community as well!  My son Nathan is involved with Portland Or. RACES and finds it quite fulfilling.

USRACES.ORG

Here is something new/cool on the receive side:

http://www.nooelec.com/store/

Do you personally know anything about getting started with HAM radio? What it might take to repurpose old technologies to use in a broadcasting unit perhaps?

I would get a 2-meter FM mobile unit, if I lived in an urban area, and talk with the locals.  QTH?  (Where are you located?)

I am around 20 miles from the nearest town, out in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma. Specifically I wanted this unit to be able to broadcast and receive signals with another unit around 20 miles away, but it would be nice to have a great big range so that I could move the unit around with me when I travel and hopefully keep in range of the other unit. The second unit, the listening station, will be located in an area that doesn't have wifi. I need to be able to broadcast a signal to this listening station. The broadcast station can use wifi or any other manner of signal as long as the listening station can pick it up, that is why I was hoping to use a radio signal because they are available almost anywhere.

Too bad you are in not in the Pacific Northwest, my son teaches classes in beginning ham there.  To use the ham bands you must transmit en clair.  It sounds like you are in such a remote area that you may be allowed to establish your own repeater station.

Yeah, I don't really know if anyone would be listening on any of the non commercial frequencies out here besides the occasional truckers, going up I-35 and Highway 77 but those are many miles from my house. Would you mind asking your son about it? It sounds like he would know about the whole amateur radio thing.