Tag Archives: FM Radio

AM Innovation and Radio’s Reach in EVs

Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares the following two articles that may be of interest to readers:

The first, from Radio World, highlights a new broadband AM antenna system designed for the upper end of the mediumwave band. The compact design promises easier installation, lower infrastructure requirements, and could offer broadcasters a practical solution where traditional AM tower installations are impractical or prohibitively expensive:
https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/products/new-antenna-for-upper-am-band-nears-readiness

Dennis also points to a recent Westwood One analysis examining the listening habits of Tesla drivers. Despite Tesla’s increasingly streaming-focused infotainment systems, the data suggests AM/FM radio remains the dominant source of ad-supported in-car audio among Tesla owners:
https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2026/06/29/reach-future-tesla-buyers-on-am-fm-radio-the-medium-tesla-drivers-listen-to-most/

Will FM Radio Be the Next Casualty of the Connected Car?

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares the following article about a growing trend among automakers: removing not only AM receivers from new vehicles, but FM as well. This is in favor of internet-connected streaming services. While the shift may seem inevitable, it raises important questions about emergency communications, rural connectivity, and the future of free over-the-air broadcasting.

Read the full article here: https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/06/16/fm-radio-excluded-from-new-vehicles/

World Radio Day: Kentucky’s Real People Radio

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A new documentary from the BBC, produced by SWLing Post friend and contributor David Goren and presented by Maria Margaronis, is now available to listen to online.

Kentucky’s Real People Radio, from The Documentary Podcast, visits WMMT in Whitesburg, Kentucky, a small community radio station known locally as “Possum Radio,” which serves coalfield communities in Appalachia and now faces an uncertain future amid potential cuts to public funding. The programme explores why community stations like WMMT matter more than ever, providing trusted local information, emergency alerts, and a rare platform for voices often unheard in national media.

You can listen to the full documentary, with embedded audio, on BBC Sounds here:
https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/p0n0g9f2

Update: If you don’t have a BBC account and can’t access the recording above, they also make the recording available via this link, which I’ll also embed below:

How Removing AM and FM from Cars Impacts the 12-Volt Ecosystem

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Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares this CE Outlook article examining the trend of major automakers removing AM/FM radios from new vehicles and what it means for the 12-volt ecosystem. With AM/FM being increasingly omitted in favor of digital monthly subscriptions and mobile-connected audio services, this article explores the implications for listeners, aftermarket options, and the broader impact on radio accessibility in cars. Read more here: https://www.ceoutlook.com/2026/01/15/car-makers-remove-am-fm-what-it-means-for-12-volt/

Surprisingly Capable: Mario Checks Out the Raddy RF750 Plus

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Mario Filippi, who shares the following review:

Raddy RF750 Plus AM/FM/SW/NOAA Radio

by Mario Filippi

I purchased one of these tiny radios several months ago. It’s my daily go-to AM broadcast band radio. So far, it performs excellently on AM. Using the rotatable ferrite antenna, I’ve received stations as far away as Chicago and Detroit at night. FM broadcast band capability is also excellent in my experience for such a small radio. As for SW, the only luck I’ve had is with powerful broadcasters when the Raddy’s telescoping antenna is connected to an outdoor ham antenna. It receives local NOAA WX as good as any other radio I’ve owned.

Raddy 750 Plus

The case is all metal, feels nice and hefty in the hand. A shade under a half-pound in weight. 3 3/4 inches high (approx. 9 cm) with attached rotatable antenna. The speaker size is exceptional for such a small radio and the audio’s very acceptable to the ear. The speaker grill can be used to tune the radio manually by the way. The fit and finish are excellent. Has a rechargeable battery with included USB charging cord. Excellently-written 25-page owner’s manual in English.

?I use the Raddy app to control the radio. You can opt not to use it though. You’ll definitely need to read the manual then, due to the plethora of options.

Raddy’s SmartPhone App Works Great

All said, since I bought this radio mainly for daily AM broadcast reception and occasionally checking NOAA weather, I’m very pleased. Price is very reasonable, mine was under $40 at the time.

Wonder if anyone else has one of these radios and what their opinion is? Thanks for reading and 73’s.

You can purchase the Raddy RF750 on Amazon.com or at Radioddity.com (affiliate links).

2026 Tesla Standard Model Y and Model 3 trims will eliminate AM and FM tuners

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis?Dura for sharing this article from Radio?World, which reveals that Tesla will eliminate AM and FM tuners from its 2026 Standard Model Y and Model 3 trims—a move the National?Association?of?Broadcasters calls a “disservice to millions of drivers” who rely on broadcast radio for news, community and emergency alerts.

You can read the full article at Radio World by clicking here.

Eye On America: NC radio station becomes voice of recovery after Hurricane Helene

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From CBS Evening News:

After Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, a couple of radio broadcasters played a critical role in keeping residents informed. Now, six months later, they have taken on a new role in the recovery. Skyler Henry reports.

Click here to view on YouTube.

Having experienced the devastation of Hurricane Helene firsthand, I can confirm that this radio station, along with its FM relay, delivered crucial community updates when both internet and mobile phone services failed.?Never underestimate the power of local radio. — Thomas