FCC data shows decline in US radio station licenses

Recent FCC data shows a continued decline in the number of licensed radio stations in the United States. As of September 30, the total count of licensed AM and FM stations fell to 15,613, marking the third consecutive quarterly decrease.

Commercial AM stations dropped to 4,258, a decrease of 42 from the previous quarter and 84 since the end of 2024. Commercial FM stations also saw a decline, falling by 20 to a total of 6,540, extending a downward trend that has lasted eight consecutive quarters.

While noncommercial educational FM stations grew by nine to reach 4,815, this growth has slowed compared to previous quarters. The rise in noncommercial FM is currently insufficient to offset the losses seen in the commercial AM and FM sectors. Additionally, FM translators and boosters decreased by 20, while low-power FM stations remained relatively stable at approximately 2,014.