1 of 1- RadioActive
- Moderator
Offline 
AM Radio: If They Program It Right, Will They Come Back?
I saw this letter in Radio World about the growing controversy over the end of AM radio in EVs and some gas-powered cars. The writer suggests the problem with the band isn't fidelity or static - it's an overall lack of imagination in programming.
He cites a personal story in which a local AM station, which was once dominant in the market, started turning itself around by going back to a smartly arranged musical format, only to see corporate ownership from afar tour the place and insist they dismantle it, just as the ratings were rising from almost zero.
I'm not sure if many here will agree with him, but his story and his suggestions are worth the short read.
AM’s Downfall is Poor Programming, Not Audio Quality
- mace
- Member
Offline
Re: AM Radio: If They Program It Right, Will They Come Back?
There are still some AM stations that do not rely on an FM simulcast to help improve their numbers. The most obvious example is WLW which has ruled Cincinnati for decades and still does today with an 11.1. Other AM only's ranked in their respective market's top 10 include KFI-#5, WBZ-#7, WWJ-#9, KMOX-#10, WTAM-#10, WTIC-#7. These are all legendary 50,000 watt flamethrowers which certainly helps them. There are a few examples of non flamethrowers doing well. Milwaukee's WISN is #2 with its news format and its 50K/10K. signal. Similarly, legendary Memphis station WDIA is #9 with its R/B format.
- RadioAaron
- Member
Offline
Re: AM Radio: If They Program It Right, Will They Come Back?
Better programming certainly would have slowed the decline, but that toothpaste's not going back in the tube. And as for playing music? You can still drive some 6+ or 12+ numbers in some smaller markets doing that and sell ad time to your buddy who owns the car dealership, but that's about it, and not once the car dealership is passed on to his kids.
Anyway, I'm just glad this wasn't another WABC article.
Last edited by RadioAaron (May 2, 2023 5:57 pm)