Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura for sharing this article from Radio World which delves into the legacy of AM broadcasting in “Digging Up the AM Radio Graveyard.”
This piece explores the so-called “graveyard frequencies”—those crowded AM channels where hundreds of local stations once operated at night, all competing in a sea of overlapping signals. It’s a great read for anyone interested in radio history, signal propagation, and the enduring mysteries of the medium wave band.
I was able to pull in WTAN 1340 Clearwater FL today, from 200 miles across the Gulf. Ground wave over salt water is always a treat, if you happen to live near a large body of it. Interesting little station, will keep it in my regular rotation now. Thanks for the article Thomas, and thanks pointing out that link Jock.
The graveyard is certainly one challenging aspect of AM DXing. I’ve had some modest success logging a few stations. My standard practice is to park on a frequency and wait to hear what eventually bubbles up in the RF cacophony. But, man oh man, it ain’t easy. Patience required.
Nice to see the article! Nick has joined us at the Winter SWL Fest a few times over the years. I’ve always enjoyed hearing about his radio listening adventures and have not been spooked by any of them!
This is excellent.
The interactive map here — https://w2njl.github.io/radioworld_web/radioworld_graveyard.html — is particularly good.
Keep zooming in on the map until you can see the individual circles and then click on the circle and you will see the station ID and frequency.
Cheers, Jock
That is a nice Link. Thanks Jock.
I have recorded with my cheap SDR a few Twilight “Top of the Hour” days this week.
It takes lots of patience pulling them out of the mud. A very good challenge.
73 Art K7DWI/5