WFMU is On the Air (Photo: J. Waits)
Today the FCC released two lists containing the total number of licensed broadcast stations in the United States. Despite the crowded radio dial, the number of licensed radio stations increased between June and September, 2011.
According to the FCC, as of September 30, 2011 (PDF), there were 14,865 radio stations in the U.S. That represents a 55 station increase since June 30, 2011 (PDF). Non-commercial educational FM stations (which include college radio, public radio, community radio, and religious radio) fared the best, picking up 59 more frequencies. AM stations decreased in number. Here’s a breakdown of the types of licensed stations, including separate tallies for LPFM and translators/boosters:
As of September 30, 2011:
AM Stations: 4,763 (down from 4,770 in June 2011)
FM Commercial Stations: 6,530 (up from 6,527 in June 2011)
FM Educational Stations: 3,572 (up from 3,513 in June 2011)
Total Radio Stations: 14,865 (up from 14,810 in June 2011)
Not included in Total Radio Stations:
FM Translators and Boosters: 6,113 (down from 6,124 in June 2011)
Low power FM: 848 (down from 852 in June 2011)
