The FCC reports a slight decline in AM radio stations, with 4,360 licensed as of June 30, 2025, compared to 4,413 on June 30, 2024, a drop of 53 stations or about 1.2%.
The number of AM stations decreased from 4,413 in 2024 to 4,360 in 2025, reflecting a continued gradual decline. This aligns with historical trends, as AM stations have faced challenges like signal interference, lower audio quality, and reduced listener appeal compared to FM. Some AM stations are transitioning to FM translators under the FCC’s AM Revitalization initiative, which may contribute to this decline.
FM stations have generally maintained a stronger presence than AM due to better sound quality and broader appeal. However, format shifts (e.g., from Top 40 to Country) and consolidation by major broadcasters like iHeartMedia suggest a stable but evolving FM landscape.
Listenership Trends
AM Radio: AM stations attract about 82 million monthly listeners in the U.S., with a skew toward older audiences. In 2023, 70% of U.S. residents tuned into radio weekly, with AM holding a smaller share compared to FM due to its focus on news, talk, and sports formats. AM’s listenership is steady but less dynamic than FM’s.
FM Radio: FM dominates radio listenership, contributing significantly to the 91% of Americans aged 18+ reached monthly by AM/FM radio combined. Nielsen projects a 10% increase in total U.S. AM/FM listening levels in 2025 due to changes in Nielsen’s Portable People Meter crediting (reducing quarter-hour listening credit from 5 to 3 minutes), with FM formats like Country, Adult Contemporary, and Classic Rock driving growth. FM’s appeal to younger demographics (e.g., 18-49) is stronger, with formats like Spanish Tropical and Urban Contemporary showing significant audience gains.
Revenue and Advertising
AM stations generate less advertising revenue than FM due to smaller audiences and less appeal to advertisers targeting younger demographics. Total U.S. radio ad revenue (AM/FM combined) was $13.2 billion in 2023, with AM’s share being smaller due to its format limitations. The decline in AM stations may further reduce its revenue contribution.
FM stations drive the majority of radio advertising revenue, with online radio (often FM simulcasts) accounting for $2.98 billion of the $13.76 billion total projected for 2024, a 22% digital share.
FM’s revenue benefits from strong formats like Country (2,172 stations) and growing digital streaming.
AM stations face challenges from poorer signal quality and limited appeal to younger listeners. The FCC’s AM Revitalization initiative has encouraged some AM stations to acquire FM translators, effectively shifting their audience to FM frequencies. This contributes to AM’s decline as stations either convert or cease operations.
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