Radio By The Numbers: FM Increases, AM Down A Bit

The number of FM signals is expected to continue to grow, given recent LPFM expansion and the recent FCC plan that includes two windows, beginning next year, during which AM owners will be able to apply via auction for FM translators.

The number of stations on the AM band declined again slightly in 2015. The FCC counts 4,684 licensed AM stations as of Dec. 31, down from 4,705 at the end of 2014, 4,727 the year before, and 4,738 the year before that.

Notable: the number of LPFMs is now at 1,433 licenses, almost double the 776 of just two years ago, as the commission effort to expand the low-power service has kicked into high gear.