AM/FM Under Siege The electromagnetic world sure is a noisy place and it is getting worse all the time - in every region of the spectrum. Intentional radiation is not so much of a problem because it usually falls within well-defined limits and is predictable, but sloppy engineering and, honestly, ignorance, has made life harder for just about everyone. Listeners to broadcast radio in both the AM and FM bands have really taken a hit. AM has always been prone to interference by its very nature, so anyone listening expects the occasional pop or hiss from atmospheric phenomena or a light switch being flipped on or off. Have someone in the house run a blender or drill and you can forget hearing anything until the task is completed. It comes with the territory, so to speak. FM was and is largely immune to most forms of interference, but lately I have been noticing it coming from some of the most unusual places.  For as long as I can remember, I have preferred to have a radio on in the background whilst whiling away at work and at play. In the days before Al Gore invented the Internet and Mr. Jobs created the iPod, my favorite entertainment was provided in the form of a radio. It was almost always possible to locate at least one station that played acceptable music, news, or talk shows. Some otherwise intolerably long days at work were made better by the presence of radio's subtle diversion. Pulling in broadcast in both bands from halfway across the country in the nighttime hours with just a cheap clock radio was really great. I especially appreciated being able to listen to local news and weather from, say, Milwaukee, ... (more)
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