Analog AM is Dead in Brazil

Basically, in the first few seconds of this video I mention that I try to tune in to an AM station and simply can’t pick up anything,a band completely free of analog broadcasters. The AM band is like this in much of the country, without even the signal of a single station. Those that did not request migration to the FM band are now facing financial ruin, practically wiped out in terms of advertisers or other sources of funding. Only a tiny fraction of stations still operate in very few cities, and most are in severe financial distress. There is definitely no clearer sign that analog AM broadcasting is no longer viable. There are no reception conditions that make it worthwhile to even attempt tuning in. Brazil has only one viable path left to avoid losing the AM band: turning it into a digital band.

For years, Brazil went through a process of relocating radio stations that operated on AM to FM, responding to their own requests. The industry as a whole largely pushed for migration, and regulations were changed so that all could switch bands. A financial collapse had already been looming on the horizon years ago.

About This Video

Reception carried out at 5:30 a.m. this Saturday, August 16, 2025, an attempt made outside the house, on my car radio, which indeed is capable of tuning in distant AM stations as long as it is on highways, preferably away from electrical interference. That is why rural areas end up being the best locations for long-distance reception and better listening conditions. But the reality for the listener is the desire to listen at home, at least in the city where they live. Forcing the listener to drive away from work or home just to hear AM radio is an illusion that will never become reality. We need digital AM to arrive and offer better listening conditions in the city itself.