Since the advent of AM radio at the start of the 20th century, countless new competitors have been born. As early as the end of the Second World War, AM radio had already begun to fall out of style with the development of FM broadcasting. Modern digital technologies have only exacerbated the threat, with the huge range of alternative radio services that are available today including satellite radio and widely used internet music services like Pandora.
Although AM has held on for decades by relying on niche programming like news and talk radio, today the threat has become even more menacing as competition for wireless airwaves in the 21st century spectrum crunch has started to be a real problem. Soon, even the niche few who have stuck it out with AM broadcasting may need to find a new platform.
Attempts to Save AM Radio
There have been a few noteworthy attempts to save AM radio, not the least of which has been led by Ajit Pai, a republican FCC commissioner nominated by Obama. Pai is urging the FCC to undertake a revision of the rules overseeing AM radio, arguing that to do so is to preserve an historic technology that is an important part of our national culture. There are also more practical arguments for preserving AM radio, including the fact that in more rural areas many people still rely on AM radio for their news and entertainment. AM is also more reliable for conveying information about emergencies due to its ability to broadcast at longer distances.
Pai has also argued that AM might be saved with the elimination of unnecessary regulations, like those requiring AM stations to demonstrate that any new equipment they put into effect will decrease interference with other stations. He’s also suggested that the FCC implement the rule requiring AM stations to convert to digital, which may reduce overall interference. However, those who would have to foot the bill for this decision would ultimately be consumers, who generally don’t have radios capable of capturing digital AM transmissions.
AM Revitalization Projects
Members of the private sector, like Kintronic Labs, have also issued suggestions to the FCC to revitalize AM radio broadcasting. These suggestions include increased regulation for sources of AM band emissions, testing of new devices to assure compliance with FCC standards, and creating portals for reporting excessive interference to the FCC. Taken seriously, supporters argue that these steps might help protect AM radio for another generation while also increasing the quality of AM reception.
But the truth is, even if the FCC followed each of these suggestions, the real threat facing AM radio is much more severe. In the more developed parts of the world, AM transmissions are beginning to be encroached upon by a plethora of new sources of interference. The countless consumer electronics used today, from the smart phone in your pocket to fluorescent light bulbs in your home, all emit a radio signal that can degrade and interfere with AM broadcasting.
Critics may be correct that the decay of AM is simply the market at work, with new technologies replacing old ones. But are these people missing the bigger picture? Regardless, whether AM radio will survive for another generation or not is unclear. The only thing we can say for certain is that AM radio is facing a long, uphill battle for survival ahead.