FM and AM - A Guide
FM (Frequency Modulation) and AM (Analogue Modulation) are at present the most popular forms of radio at the current time in the United Kingdom.

In every household in the UK, and throughout most of the World, the old technology of FM, and even older AM are listened to by millions of people daily.

You will find that here in the UK, FM stations broadcast in Stereo, and usually stations on the FM waveband is broadcasting music. That is because FM delivers high quality sound, that compares to CD quality (with a perfect signal).

One of the main problems that people tend to find with FM is "hissing" but this can normally be eliminated with the use of a cheap outside antenna.

The most popular way of listening to radio
AM is still very popular in the UK also, as it delivers very good quality sound over long distances. AM transmits in monophonic sound, although AM Stereo tests have been done, and the results were quite impressive (AM Stereo stations do exist in other parts of the World).

To pick up FM or AM signals, you need a radio receiver. These come in many shapes and sizes (and prices) and can start from the small portable radios, right up to radio tuners for home separate systems.

It’s still hard to beat AM & FM for shear ease of use and reliability. It’s the formats you've grown up with, the formats you love, the lovely sounds of FM and the crackly sounds of AM.

The only way to listen!
You'll find that the BBC stations sound amazing on FM, along with the local stations, something that the newer DAB just cannot compete with.

Remember; no matter how involved in radio reception you become, always have FM & AM capabilities, because it’s the sure way to get your local radio stations.

Sadly, gone are the days of Atlantic 252 and Radio Luxembourg on AM (AM Long Wave), since Luxembourg ceased transmission way back in 1992 the radio waves haven’t been the same since.

Long live FM & AM.

Unofficial 96.4FM The Wave web site