How Much Does AM Radio Broadcasting Cost?
This guide covers typical AM radio advertising rates, what affects the price, and how to compare station quotes.
Price ranges for common jobs
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Small-market daytime spot | Local station, short ad | $10 - $50 |
| Small-market drive-time spot | Commuter-hour placement | $25 - $100 |
| Mid-market prime-time spot | Popular local programming | $75 - $250 |
| Large-market prime-time spot | High-demand audience slot | $200 - $500 |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What drives the cost up or down
AM advertising is usually priced per spot, with rates shaped by the station's audience size, local market, time of day, program, and ad length. Drive-time and other high-listenership slots usually cost more than overnight or less popular hours. A package of spots may have a lower effective rate than a single placement.
Production can be included or billed separately. A simple recorded ad costs less to make than one requiring custom scripting, voice talent, music licensing, or multiple edits. Rates and availability can also vary by season and by how much notice you give.
Ways to pay less
Ask for rates across several dayparts and compare the estimated audience, not just the spot price. If your schedule is flexible, consider less competitive hours or a package, and confirm exactly how many spots, what ad length, and which dates are included.
Provide finished, broadcast-ready audio if you can, and ask about production, cancellation, and make-good terms before committing. Comparing two or three quotes from independently reviewed providers on Reedleys shows quickly whether a number is fair.
Common cost questions
Policies differ: some stations invoice after a campaign, while others request payment or a deposit before airing. Check the payment schedule and cancellation terms in writing.
Quotes may cover different time slots, audience estimates, ad lengths, production work, or numbers of broadcasts. Compare the full schedule and included services before judging the total.
Not always. Ask whether scripting, recording, voice talent, and revisions are included, and confirm any separate production charge before approving the campaign.
Recognized AM Radio Broadcasting businesses
Carlsbad radio station group offering local programming and advertising services.
A Marquette radio station operated by the locally owned Eagle Radio group.
Sahuarita radio station broadcasting familiar hits, local programming, news, weather, and traffic.
A Los Angeles radio network that produces shows for broadcast and streaming platforms.
Phoenix radio show offering interview-style airtime for businesses and individuals to share what they do.
Jacksonville sports radio station broadcasting on 1010 AM and 92.5 FM, with live and on-demand programming.
A Spanish-language radio station serving Memphis and the Mid-South with broadcasts, music, and news.
Memphis radio station offering sports programming, weekday morning shows, podcasts, and live online listening.
New Orleans radio station offering AM broadcasts, talk programming, news, sports, and podcasts.
A New England Christian radio network with live broadcasts, podcasts, and on-demand episodes.