Delayed by the government shutdown that halted most federal reporting, the FCC broadcast totals for Q3 2025 show slight growth, but continue to trace a clear divide between declining AM and commercial FM and a fast-growing noncommercial sector.
Overall, the Commission now reports 15,667 total AM and FM stations, a quarterly increase of 16 and a year-over-year gain of 272, or 1.7%.
As of September 30, the FCC reports 4,343 licensed AM stations, down 17 from June and 57 from the same period last year, representing a 1.3% annual decline. The figure continues the ongoing contraction of AM service, with facilities surrendering licenses amid economic and technical challenges.
FM commercial stations now total 6,594, a quarterly loss of eight and a year-over-year decline of 24, or 0.36%. The number marks a fourth consecutive quarter of contraction for full-power commercial FM, reflecting slow sales activity and a limited pipeline of new entrants.
FM educational stations, by contrast, continued their steady rise, reaching 4,730 — up 41 since June and 353 since Q3 2024. That 8.1% year-over-year increase again makes noncommercial FM the only segment showing sustained growth, driven primarily by faith-based networks expanding their footprints.
FM translators and boosters dipped slightly to 8,871, a loss of nine since the last quarter and 23 fewer than a year ago, despite expanded allowance in localized signal coverage and geotargeting. Low-power FM stations rose modestly to 1,985, gaining eight since June and 18 year-over-year; a 0.9% increase.
