The AM Radio Renaissance: Why WABC’s Rise Matters More Than You Think
If you’ve written off AM radio as a relic of the past, think again. The recent news that New York’s WABC (770) has topped Inside Radio’s ranking of America’s AM stations isn’t just a blip in the media landscape—it’s a cultural bellwether. Personally, I think this story goes far beyond ratings and ownership changes. It’s about resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of local storytelling in an age dominated by podcasts and streaming.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how WABC’s success defies the narrative of AM radio’s inevitable decline. Since Red Apple Media took the reins in 2020, the station has not only survived but thrived, pulling in 418,500 listeners in the first quarter of 2025. That’s no small feat in a city as competitive as New York. But here’s the kicker: WABC isn’t just another station. It’s a shape-shifter, transitioning from a top 40 powerhouse in the ’60s and ’70s to a talk radio giant in 1982. This ability to reinvent itself is, in my opinion, the real story here.
One thing that immediately stands out is the role of personalities in WABC’s resurgence. Sid Rosenberg, John Catsimatidis, Rita Cosby—these aren’t just names; they’re institutions. What many people don’t realize is that in an era of algorithm-driven content, live, locally-driven programming still resonates deeply. It’s not just about the topics; it’s about the voices that feel like neighbors. That’s something Spotify or YouTube can’t replicate.
If you take a step back and think about it, WABC’s success is part of a larger trend in AM radio. Look at the other stations in the top 10: KFI in Los Angeles, WKAQ in San Juan, KTRH in Houston. These aren’t just stations; they’re community pillars. WKAQ, for instance, has been broadcasting since 1922. That’s over a century of history. What this really suggests is that AM radio’s survival isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about trust. In a world of misinformation, listeners gravitate toward voices they know and stations with a track record.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the diversity of formats within the top 10. Yes, talk radio dominates, but sports stations like KLAC in Los Angeles and KIRO in Seattle are holding their own. This raises a deeper question: Is AM radio’s resilience tied to its ability to cater to hyper-local interests? I think so. While FM and digital platforms often feel homogenized, AM stations like WABC and WOR in New York thrive by being unapologetically local.
From my perspective, the real takeaway here isn’t just that WABC is number one. It’s that AM radio, often written off as obsolete, is proving it still has a pulse. And that pulse is strong. What’s next? I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more stations doubling down on local content and personalities. After all, in a world of endless choices, familiarity isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.
In my opinion, WABC’s rise is more than a ratings story. It’s a reminder that media isn’t just about technology; it’s about connection. As long as stations like WABC keep giving listeners a reason to tune in, AM radio will remain far from extinct. And that, to me, is the most exciting part of this story.
