FM radio uses frequency modulation. The FM broadcast band comprises FM channels 201 (88.1 MHz) through 300 (107.9 MHz). The frequency band for FM radio is about 88 to 108 MHz. Originally, FM stations in a market were spaced four channels (800 kHz) apart.
Frequency Bands and Regulation
The FM channels range from 87.8 to 108.0 MHz in North America. The allocations within each frequency band are called a bandplan. National authorities regulate amateur usage of radio bands.
Early FM broadcasting used 42–50 MHz, a range that was also utilized by a class of experimental AM stations.
Global Radio and Broadcast Statistics
As of December 2018, there are over 369 private radio stations in India. The Government of India-owned All India Radio has about 450 FM stations.
Radio Mirchi is the number one FM broadcaster in top metros, operating on frequency 98.3 MHz.
The United States had the largest number of radio stations broadcasting in 2016, with over 24,000 stations.
In the UK, radio has growing revenues, increasing listenership, and a well-functioning ecosystem.
Sirius XM Radio has over 34 million subscribers as of 2020. American Top 40 attracts over 20 million listeners per week.