There are currently more than 142 AM radio stations that are silent / off-air. We want to save as many as possible from being permanently silenced and lost forever.

Introduction

Save AM Radio Project is a vital initiative under our 501(c)(3) nonprofit umbrella, devoted to identifying and rescuing silent, distressed, or at-risk AM radio stations before they vanish from the airwaves forever. These invaluable broadcast stations, often anchors of local communities, face mounting threats including declining listenership, financial strain, and technological difficulties. Our mission is clear: with your support, we will acquire, repair, restore, and preserve these stations for continued broadcasting.

Our Mission

Save AM Radio Project is committed to:

• Protecting the history and legacy of irreplaceble AM radio stations.

• Securing silent, distressed, or at-risk AM stations through acquisition and/or partnership support.

• Restoring operational capacity by repairing infrastructure, repairing or replacing faulty equipment, and revitalizing programming.

• Sustaining long-term viability via community-focused content, volunteer efforts, and operational funding support avenues.

• Advocating for AM radio’s relevance, emphasizing its critical role in emergencies, communication, local news, and community.

As a recognized 501(c)(3), all donations are tax-deductible, enabling generous gifts to make a tangible impact.

Goals

• Identify and prioritize silent and/or endangered AM radio stations nationwide.

• Raise emergency and restoration funds to cover acquisition, rehabilitation, and operating costs.

• Launch pilot rescues - get at least 3 silent or distressed radio stations back on air within the first year.

• Raise public awareness around AM radio’s indispensable role in public safety, communication, information access, and community.

Historical & Statistical Context

A Brief History of AM Radio

AM (amplitude modulation) broadcasting has roots reaching back over a century—to the early 1900s—serving as the original backbone of mass communication. It was crucial for news, entertainment, and—and through decades—has maintained its role as a lifeline during emergencies.

Station Counts:

• As of December 31, 2024, there were approximately 4,383 licensed AM radio stations in the U.S., a decline of 61 stations over the year.  

• By the end of 2023, there were about 4,444 licensed AM stations, reflecting a gradual downward trend over time.  

Listenership:

Over 80 million Americans tune into AM radio each month.

Public Safety Role:

• Emergency resilience: AM broadcasts reach far beyond FM or cellular, in part due to superior propagation, particularly vital when internet or phone networks fail. AM stations are able to cover a much larger listening area with vital information that may need to be communicated in emergencies.

• AM stations are used to transmit and distribute EAS - Emergency Alert System messages and notifications nationwide.  

• FEMA validation: Former FEMA officials have affirmed AM radio’s reliability during disasters.  

• Legislative support: Bipartisan initiatives like the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” aim to ensure AM availability in new cars due to its safety-critical role.

Summary - Why Your Support Matters:

• AM radio is historically invaluable and remains vital today, thousands of stations still operate, serving millions monthly, especially in emergency scenarios.

• Without support, more stations will fall silent, degrading both local media ecosystems and public safety communication infrastructure.

• By funding our project, you don’t just preserve stations, you preserve critical community connections, local voices, and emergency lifelines.

Let’s ensure that the AM radio airwaves remain active. With your help, we can rescue these radio beacons, restore their signals, and keep the stories, alerts, and voices they carry from fading into silence. Don't Silence AM Radio!

Save AM Radio Project is a part of The Gospel Light Ministries, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.