Link to the Show / Show NotesIs AM radio getting squeezed out by after market installs?
I recently had two cars upgraded with new after-market AM/FM/MP3/CD radios. On both installs, a year apart, separate installation companies, the AM band had too much buzz and raunchy reception. I was concerned since one of my hobbies is dx'ing on the road, especially at night. AM reception sounds fine in newer cars with a factory installed OEM radio.
I often promote how cool AM radio listening is to my kids and friends. My daughter doesn't like talk radio, my son loves sports but can't get AM reception on his car radio, many co-workers can't even tell me the call letters and frequencies of regional stations. Could it be that many people don't even know about the 'magic' of AM radio because their radio can't pick up the signal?
I used to really like taking my headphones to baseball games. In Pittsburgh, I saw the Pirates play at 3 Rivers Stadium while listening to the play-by-play on AM1020 KDKA. These days, many smaller radios sold in stores only carry the FM signal. Regionally, 680 AM WRKO carries the Red Sox games, AM850 WEEI carries the Celtics games. Only 104.1 FM WBCN carries the New England Patriots games.
During Hurricane Katrina, communities around New Orleans huddled around the monster signal and the awesome news bureau of AM870 WWL. During 9/11, 880 WCBS/1010 WINS and 770 WABC, NPR and nationally syndicated Howard Stern had excellent coverage. The recent fires in California also brought many concerned listeners to the AM band. A battery powered radio can be your direct line to the latest news and weather coverage.
AM radio is alive and well as long as its content is relevant, time-sensitive and interactive. In New England, 1030AM WBZ, Boston is an excellent example of an an interactive radio station. On their website, they have a traffic cam, podcasts are always up to date, complete with a .rss feed which works real nice with JUICE. They also have streaming audio, local question polls, sports at :15 and :45, traffic, weather, financials and topical talk show hosts in the overnight hours.
Don't even get me started about the best sports station in the nation - AM850, WEEI, Boston
On this blog, please give your local station a 'shout out." A radio station you can TRUST during times of trouble. Please include city, call letters and frequency.
Attached mp3 comments come from Bill at Mobile Electronics Studio - S. Dennis, MA. He explains from an installers point of view what is behind questionable AM reception on after market radio installs. Feed runs 1 minute 24 seconds.
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