The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) held discussions with senior Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Media Bureau officials on June 5 to explore additional ways to strengthen and modernize AM radio service.
NAB Associate General Counsel for Legal and Regulatory Affairs Larry Walke was joined by SVP/Deputy General Counsel Ben Arden and VP/Advanced Engineering David Layer for the meeting with Audio Division Chief Al Shuldiner and Deputy Audio Division Chief Jim Bradshaw.
NAB urged the FCC to take two specific actions:
- Eliminate certain minimum efficiency standards that currently limit AM stations’ ability to select more effective antennas or locate them on smaller, less expensive properties closer to listeners.
- Remove barriers that complicate access to the AM expanded band (1605–1705 kHz) and open a new filing window allowing stations to apply for frequencies in that spectrum.
The group also highlighted AM radio’s critical role in public safety, emergency alerts, and national infrastructure, encouraging continued FCC support for the medium.
AM radio has faced long-standing issues including signal interference, declining listenership in some markets, and competition from digital platforms. The FCC has pursued revitalization efforts for more than a decade, and NAB continues to advocate for flexibility that allows stations to adapt and thrive.
NAB described the June 5 meeting as cordial and expressed appreciation for the FCC’s past work providing broadcasters with greater operational flexibility. The association pledged to keep collaborating with the Commission and other stakeholders on rule changes and technological advancements to benefit AM stations and their millions of loyal listeners.