In response to the harsh business environment for AM radio broadcasting, 44 commercial radio stations nationwide have announced that they are aiming to switch to FM broadcasting by the fall of 2028.
The aim is to strengthen the management base by switching to FM broadcasting, which can be operated with simpler equipment than AM broadcasting and can reduce costs.
The business environment for AM broadcasting on radio is becoming harsher due to an increase in maintenance costs due to aging equipment and a decrease in advertising revenue. We are developing a system so that we can switch to FM broadcasting.
Under these circumstances, a liaison meeting made by each commercial radio station met on the 15th, and it was revealed that 44 stations out of 47 stations nationwide, excluding 3 stations in Hokkaido and Akita prefecture, aim to switch to FM broadcasting by the fall of 2028. did.
The aim is to reduce operating costs and strengthen the management base, but after the conversion, certain stations will continue to use AM broadcasting in a complementary manner rather than stopping it immediately.
Prior to this, a demonstration experiment will be conducted to stop AM broadcasting and switch to FM broadcasting after the fall of next year.
The period is about 3 months to 1 year, and we are planning to verify issues such as the impact on users, and 21 stations intend to participate.
At the press conference, TBS Radio Chairman Kiyohiko Irie said, "I thought it was necessary to show a big roadmap for FM conversion as soon as possible. There are big differences in geographical conditions and aging depending on each radio station, and each station explained carefully. I will do it. "
Regarding this announcement, NHK said, "We are considering making audio waves into two waves, AM1 wave and FM1 wave in 2025. NHK is obliged to carry out AM broadcasting and FM broadcasting under the Broadcasting Law. , We will continue to maintain AM broadcasting in the future. "