This post takes a look at some opportunities with AM Stations. You could say it’s just me, but I happen to like AM radio, and I believe that given compelling content and a decent technical plant, listeners will follow and as sure as night follows day, advertisers will follow listeners.

I also took some time to do a deep dive into the current status and probable future of AM radio, so once you’ve considered the listings, click on through the compilation of thoughts and research projects.

CALIFORNIA:

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY AM WITH TRANSLATOR:  AM tower site is leased, and the Translator site is leased.  No office/studio and the Stations are operated remotely.  Growth opportunities for the Translator may increase pop count significantly.  Asking Price:  $225,000.  Must be all-cash to be able to deliver free and clear.

AM/TRANSLATOR COMBO.  AM/TRANSLATOR combo is located in the foothills of the San Joaquin Valley, east of Fresno. Asking is only $175,000, cash.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RATED MARKET AM:  Standalone AM – No Translator. Currently programming Spanish. Good Rated Market.  Asking Price:  $500,000, cash.

NEVADA:

NEW!  AM/TRANSLATOR COMBO IN LAS VEGAS:   Full market coverage AM with FM Translator.  Both licensed to Las Vegas.  Office/studio is leased, and the combined tower site is leased.  Contact MCH Enterprises for details.

OREGON:

AM FOR SALE ON THE OREGON COAST! This “peanut whistle” is perfect for a first-time buyer or a local operator looking to expand. ESPN Sports affiliate and a ton of professional and college sports coverage. Currently set up to operate remotely. There is no office/studio configuration. No local salespeople. Sales are running $2K to $5K depending on the season. Seller would be willing to carry financing from a qualified Buyer. Asking $30,000.

WESTERN OREGON; TWO AMS WITH ONE TRANSLATOR AND A STREAMING CHANNEL. Summer sales are trending higher even as revenues are historically strong. Asking price for only the Stations and streaming channel: $525,000. The Real Estate comprised of main office/studio building, out-buildings, all on 7.5 acres of land can be purchased as a separate transaction:

Some Thoughts Regarding Challenges Facing AM Radio

The future of AM broadcasting in the U.S. is at a pivotal moment, shaped by a mix of technological challenges, legislative efforts, and evolving audience behaviors. Here’s a bit of a deep dive into where things stand and where they could be headed with links to some very thoughtful articles and research projects:

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1. Automaker Phase-Outs: Major automakers like BMW, Tesla, and Ford have removed AM radios from many electric vehicles (EVs), citing electromagnetic interference from EV motors. This has raised alarms about AM radio’s accessibility, especially during emergencies.  Is AM radio over? | The Week

2. Technological Limitations:
   • AM signals are more vulnerable to interference and offer lower audio quality.
   • EVs and urban environments with high electronic noise make AM reception difficult. What will happen to AM and FM broadcasts in the future? It’s a tech question that needs to be answered.
     
3. Audience Shifts:
   • Younger listeners increasingly favor podcasts, streaming, and satellite radio.
   • AM radio skews older and more rural, with 82 million monthly listeners. Is AM radio over? | The Week

Signs of Resilience and Revival

1. Legislative Momentum:
   • The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979 / S. 315) has gained bipartisan supermajority support in both chambers of Congress which would require AM radios in all new vehicles, citing public safety and emergency alert needs. The End of AM Radio? The National Association of Broadcasters Hopes to Save It | Cord Cutters News
     
2. FCC Support:
   • The FCC is reviewing ownership rules and considering revitalization efforts, including allowing all-digital AM broadcasting to improve quality.  DOC-367361A1.pdf
   • The agency is also exploring deregulation to help small-market AM stations survive. AM Stations, Small Market Owners To Get FCC Cap Consideration – Radio Ink
     
3. Industry Advocacy:
   • The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is actively lobbying to preserve AM radio, emphasizing its role in emergency communication and localism. The NAB’s fight for the future of AM radio.

Audience Trends and Relevance

• AM/FM radio still dominates ad-supported audio, accounting for 66% of daily listening time in Q1 2025. The Record: Q1 2025 U.S. Audio Listening Trends – Edison Research
  
• Radio reach remains strong:
  • 91% of U.S. adults listen to AM/FM monthly.  Nielsen: AM/FM Radio Reaches 91% Of U.S. Adults Each Month
    
  • AM radio is especially vital in rural and disaster-prone areas where other media may fail.  What AM radio’s waning reach means for the future of politics and public safety | PBS News Weekend

Outlook: A Mixed but Hopeful Future

• Short-Term: AM radio is likely to remain relevant due to its emergency alert capabilities and legislative protections.
  
• Medium-Term: Adoption of digital AM broadcasting and potential FCC deregulation could improve its viability.
  
• Long-Term: Without continued innovation and younger audience engagement, AM may become a niche medium unless it is integrated into broader digital platforms.

That’s 30 for now…for what it’s worth.