Where I live in Kentucky, we have a local radio station that is is all about us. We get good analysis of federal, state and local public policy matters that concern us directly. We get weather reports and information - like shelter locations, and how to tell from the clouds that a tornado may be forming. We get notices about local events, plays at our local theatre, and scores for our school's sports games. We get music too. I listen to our station, when I drive into town. That we still have a station is wonderful, cause the internet, put our local newspaper out of business.

We can't get high speed internet here either - ROAR.

AM radio was used for local community news and entertainment and reached deep into rural communities - as well as cities. The "entertainment" was mostly provided by the station's hosts. Usually, there was a music time, curated by hosts as well. These days, people download podcasts and audiobooks on their phones to listen to while driving or working.

FM radio was national and rarely available in rural areas. FM radio stations are not stable and still go in- and-out here.

FM radio has a very poor signal in rural areas. But TalkRadio is an AM station and comes in clear and strong in rural communities. That's the reason that truck drivers, long distance drivers and rural listeners, listened to people like Rush Limbaugh and FoxNews personalities like Sean Hannity so darned much.

Good article, JD. :)