Far from being superseded by digital technology, amplitude modulation stations are an asset: simple to listen to, practically everywhere and at great distances, they offer plurality and safety. So much so that every year they increase in number in Italy too. And while it is pushing to turn off the FM too, Switzerland is backing down. And AM remains in car radios
There is a saying, known especially to those who deal with technology, which goes more or less like this: the best technology in terms of quality is not always the most appropriate to use. In this article we talk about radios, the ones we listen to at home while we do other things, or while we are in the car.
The closure of the AM and the return of medium waves
After our Rai closed the analogue stations in amplitude modulation (AM) on 11 September 2022, in that frequency spectrum, the medium waves (in acronym OM), they began to broadcast foreign stations of all types. And after a few months, new small Italian broadcasters also reappeared.
The arrival of DAB in the radio spectrum
Meanwhile, on another part of the electromagnetic spectrum, where until a few years ago part of the TV transmitted, there are now radios transmitted digitally (DAB or DAB+, from Digital Audio Broadcasting), it is no coincidence that this last acronym has appeared on the most recent cars. It is something very similar to digital television, so you listen with high quality, without hiss or disturbances. Or… you don’t listen at all.
The limits of digital in daily reception
As may have happened to you with digital TV, which is perfectly clear or suddenly the image fragments into small squares and disappears: black screen and silent speaker. Someone will have already noticed even in the car, perhaps on the motorway, that when passing trucks, the DAB channel suddenly goes silent for a few seconds. It follows that the signal, and therefore what it carries, such as information, can only be heard perfectly, while with the old analogue modulations such as amplitude (AM) and frequency (FM), we tolerate some hiss but are still able to understand the words of the speaker or the notes of the musical pieces.
The Swiss case and the stop to switching off the FM
The Swiss know something about this, where between last spring and autumn the procedure for switching off the FM broadcasters that were about to be replaced forever by DAB was interrupted. The reason is precisely the one described: in the mountain valleys the DAB suffers from problems, so the Swiss National Council approved the motion asking to renounce the deactivation of the frequency modulation frequencies scheduled for the end of 2026. Also because when the Confederal broadcaster’s FM systems were switched off in 2024, the Swiss public radio lost tens of thousands of listeners who tuned in to Italian and French broadcasters.
The Italian situation between plains and mountain areas
In Italy, in the cities and in the plains, DAB does not present any particular critical issues, on the contrary: there are stations which in some valleys are broadcast digitally with optimal coverage. However, things are not going so well in some Alpine and Apennine regions, where AM and FM remain unbeatable for various reasons.
Because AM and FM remain irreplaceable
They are easy to receive because cheap and even dated radios are sufficient; they remain intelligible even if perhaps a little disturbed and, in the case of AM in Medium Waves, they allow you to receive even very distant stations.
The regulatory comparison and the role of Europe
From the website www.omitaliane.it we learn that this association has intervened with the European Commission regarding the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy’s (Mimit) request to amend article 98-vicies sexies of the Electronic Communications Code, which effectively excludes AM and DRM30 technologies from the car radios of new vehicles. A decision which, according to Omitaliane, represents a step backwards for pluralism, security and technological freedom in the radio sector. As Agcom had already indicated, GCOM on 19 April 2025, formulating, pursuant to art. 1 of law no. 249 of 31 July 1997, regarding the interoperability of car radio receivers referred to in article 98 of the Electronic Communications Code, that the receivers must be able to pick up analogue and digital broadcasts, therefore AM, FM and DAB+). The aim: to ensure coverage and continuity of the radio service throughout the national territory, avoiding discrimination between technologies. Although Mimit notified the European Commission on 1 October 2025 of a modification to Article 98 which limits the obligation to receive radio reception to FM, DAB+ and Internet Protocol (IP) only.
Beyond the past: the DRM30
It’s not about being tied to the past, also because DRM30 technology exists which actually transmits digital signals in medium waves, but it is important to let everyone decide which technology to exploit based on their needs and geographical position.
The advantages of medium waves today
In fact, the frequencies of the so-called “grandmother’s radios” and the DRM30 transmission offer concrete advantages: they cover the most remote areas with usable signals, they offer continuity of the radio service especially during blackouts and emergencies (a battery-powered radio is enough); they offer editorial pluralism and facilitate the birth of new broadcasters.
A sustainable and already existing network
If we then managed to develop a network of DRM30 radios, we would have digital transmissions on medium waves without replacing the current transmission networks and valorising the investments made to date to create the stations in the mountains, limiting the construction of other pylons which, certainly, are not nice to look at.
Proximity AM radios
There’s even more: in some countries (primarily the United States), there are proximity AM radios. As we approach airports, amusement parks, large shopping centres, stadiums or large events, a small local medium wave radio station transmits traffic information, parking directions or critical situations. Informing those who drive in a direct and simple way: a few kilometers from the finish line, along the road, a sign invites them to tune in.
What we listen to today on medium waves
For those who want to try listening, we attach to the article the list of Italian broadcasters currently existing on Medium Waves, i.e. those that transmit between 520 and 1620 kHz. Try listening to them during these festive days, especially in the evening. What do you listen to? Excellent jazz as well as songs of all kinds, in-depth information from abroad, even acted comedies. No digital precision or scrolling on the screen, you need a little patience to tune them, it’s part of the game.
