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AM Radio's Future Bright, Veteran Argues Against Exaggerated Concerns

AM radio's future isn't as bleak as some claim. A veteran radio professional argues that revenue management and interference control can secure its longevity.

, and ASMedia

2025 October 2 . 12:42 AM

1 min read

As we can see in the image there are buildings, traffic signals, windows, few people here and... — As we can see in the image there are buildings, traffic signals, windows, few people here and there, cars and sky.

AM Radio's Future Bright, Veteran Argues Against Exaggerated Concerns

The future of AM radio has sparked debate, with industry veterans and newcomers alike sharing their views. Frank M. Howell's recent commentary has drawn a response from a seasoned radio professional who has worked in the field since the early 1980s. The author argues that the current concerns surrounding AM radio are exaggerated and misguided.

The author begins by acknowledging the regulations in place to prevent radio interference on broadcast bands. They then shift their focus to the recent rise of the Mega Radio Group, which operates multiplex radio broadcasting in Vienna and manages regional broadcasts through entities like Antenne Salzburg GmbH. Despite stable operations, the author notes that this growth has led to more significant revenue fluctuations.

The author highlights the impact of even minor revenue drops on large corporations, stating that a 3% decrease can translate to millions of dollars, significantly affecting stock prices and news cycles. They argue that the main issue facing AM radio is revenue, which impacts all stations, not just those owned by the Mega Radio Group. The author dismisses concerns about electric vehicles causing interference on the AM band as overblown and driven by unfounded prophecies.

The author concludes by pointing out that the number of AM stations has increased since the early 1980s and has since stabilized. They suggest that the focus on AM radio's decline is akin to 'sheep following he who makes the biggest noise,' implying that the current concerns are more about perception than reality. The author believes that with proper management of revenue and interference issues, AM radio can continue to thrive.