There are approximately 15,400 to 16,000+ licensed radio stations in the U.S., including AM,
full-power FM, and low-power FM (LPFM) stations, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reporting
around 15,393 total stations at the end of 2023, a number that fluctuates slightly with new licenses.
The total grows significantly when including translators and boosters, reaching over 22,000,
and includes thousands of commercial, non-commercial, and religious broadcasters.
Key Figures
~ Total Licensed (End of 2023): Around 15,393 (AM, FM, LPFM).
~ Full-Power Stations: Roughly 15,400 to 15,442 (AM & FM).
~ AM Stations: About 4,700+.
~ Commercial FMs: Over 6,600.
~ LPFM Stations: Over 1,500.
Types of Stations
~ AM/FM: Traditional broadcast radio.
~ LPFM: Low-Power FM stations, often community-focused.
~ Translators/Boosters: Repeaters that extend coverage.