In 1970, only 10% of Americans cumed the FM Band. By 1978, 50% of all radio listening was to FM. In 1983, FM became standard issue in all US built automobiles. How the FM band rapidly grew its appeal reveals a strategy that could work to recharge interest in AM Band listening.

FM radio grew because the band offered compelling, subversive programming. By 1970, AM stations had stopped experimenting, stopped questioning their own methods because they were minting money.

FM stations, in 1970, were losing money, had little audience, there was nothing to risk. Owners of AM/FM are suffered from an arrogance regarding FM. They believed that FM didn’t really count, FM wasn’t really radio. The National Association of Broadcasters didn’t recognize FM.

Corporate FM owners let kids like Allen Shaw at ABC; Randy Michaels at Taft, Jerry Lyman at RKO, and B Mitchel Reed at Metromedia do what they wanted. They asked forgiveness (sometimes) but not permission. The toughest challenge: Convincing AM radio talent to come to the FM Band.

(Other owners took an odder route; they “solved” the FM problem by selling them off—in the 1980’s. Group W, for example sold WBZ FM—now MAGIC for $4M. That’s correct. And KDKA FM for pennies. RKO sold KFRC FM and WHBQ FM in the early 70’s for—pennies.)

Today AM stations are losing money, have diminishing audience and have nothing to risk except doing nothing. Doing nothing is a major hazard.

THESE ARE THE PROCEDURES TO SAVE AM RADIO:

1. AM CUME SERGES DURING SPORTING EVENTS

The key word here isn’t “sports” but “event.”

The AM Band can grow cume today. Every time a major league team plays baseball on an AM station, cume increases. This occurrence is explained as “PLAY BY PLAY” is the answer. Compelling events, like an MLB game are key strategic elements to AM success. There are other elements to AM’s success.

The AM opportunity for growth comes from broadening the definition of “compelling events.” Mirror what your listeners do: High School Reunions, sports, bowling tournaments, beach parties, block parties, the opportunities are endless.

2. STARVE YOUR AM

Money is not going to grow an AM station. Initially, successful FM radio shows were produced in church basements, house trailers and storage rooms. All that matters is what’s on the air. AM will grow from creative, passion filled content. When a station is “dead”, life does not spring from the harm which injured it.

It is noteworthy that the early, major FM format innovation; progressive free form rock, was created by AM Stars such as Tom Donahue, Mitchel Reed, Murray the K, and Jerry Stevens. At the time they were over 40 years of age and at the top of their earnings. They knew how to make radio and which rules to break; they had put in their 10,000 hours.. Those radio legends combined their skills with the open mindedness of fresh-out-of school talent to produce stunning, disruptive, fun radio.

The formula for AM success is: Proven radio stars + fresh out of school radio rookies minus rules. But if that doesn’t work, try something else. Be creative and original. It can’t hurt.

3. ENLIST CUME CREATORS: Get people to try sample new programs first. They are attitude makers. Identify people who are cume builders. Put them on the air, give them shows, and build promotions for them. Put them to “work” to talk about your station.

HINT: Top 40 radio was built by high school student’ request and dedications. Early Top 40’s featured high school student reporters on the air every night sharing news from area high schools. Those stations were the talk of the school every day.

4. REVERSE THE DAY. The best daypart for sampling and testing is the over-night period. It’s interesting that stations invested in overnights and mornings last. Alex Bennett, legendary talk host was a early hire on WPLJ New York: an over-night show host. Morning Drive is tough to crack cume wise.

As many companies have FM overnights relegated to automation, AM’s have an opportunity to offer live, interesting, impulsive programs that gather attention and cume.www.soundadvantagemedia.com

5. POP UP PROGRAMMING. Nielson’s People Meter allows radio to be measured electronically in real time. The diary ratings method necessitates that programming be consistent 24/7 in order for listeners to remember the station. NOT in a PPM market.

In PPM, short term programming and special events coverage can be measured and sold for guaranteed rates. Disrupting the “format” is not destructive, it may be essential.

WARNING. Innovation requires embracing change at many levels, question every tactic. Do not question the need for innovation. Innovation is needed right now, just look at the current ratings trend of almost every single AM in the US. Innovate now before it’s too late.

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