The FCC has released its broadcast station totals for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting the three-month period ending June 30. The biggest takeaway? Another significant increase in noncommercial FM radio stations was seen, as both commercial AM and FM totals experienced a decrease.
While the number of noncommercial FMs at the end of 2024 grew by 100 from September 30, the total has greatly increased since the start of 2025. Meanwhile, some 19 fewer commercially licensed FM radio stations were seen at the end of Q2 as 7 more AM radio stations disappeared, bringing the year-to-date total to 23 as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act awaits a key Congressional vote.
Once again, there was much less volatility with the number of licensed broadcast TV stations at the end of Q2 2025, repeating the previous sequential quarter.
Lastly, it is notable that the number of FM translators decreased. However, the total remains higher than where it stood seven years ago.
BROADCAST STATION TOTALS AS OF JUNE 30, 2025
(Compared to March 31, 2025)
TOTAL BROADCAST STATIONS: 33,532 (up 8)
All comparisons below to the end of Q1 2025
AM STATIONS 4360 (minus 7)
FM COMMERCIAL 6602 (minus 19)
FM EDUCATIONAL 4689 (plus 212)
TOTAL 15,651 (plus 29)
UHF COMMERCIAL TV 1029 (plus 1)
VHF COMMERCIAL TV 355 (minus 1)
UHF EDUCATIONAL TV 269 (unchanged)
VHF EDUCATIONAL TV 114 (unchanged)
TOTAL 1,767 (unchanged)
CLASS A UHF STATIONS 351 (unchanged)
CLASS A VHF STATIONS 32 (unchanged)
FM TRANSLATORS & BOOSTERS 8,880 (minus 11)
(up from 7,813 as of June 30, 2018)
UHF TRANSLATORS 2,462 (up 2)
VHF TRANSLATORS 632 (down 7)
UHF LOW POWER TV 1494 (down 2)
VHF LOW POWER TV 286 (down 4)
LOW POWER FM 1,977 (up 1)
