Why AM radio is still necessary

May 9, 2025 Alan Cross 0 Comments 0 min read

AM radio is the oldest of all broadcasting media, dating back about 125 years. It ushered in the era of commercial broadcasting in the early 1920s. Now, though, it’s under siege. Audio quality is inferior to FM and streaming, it’s prone to electrical interference, and many auto manufacturers are no longer including AM tuners in their dashboard infotainment systems.

AM radio has its defenders, of course, because the band still has value. Remember the big blackout in Portugal and Spain earlier this month? AM radio was there for this emergency. And that’s not all. Check out this video on the situation.

This guy wants to form a MAGA version of Rage Against the Machine

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 40071 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross