The small AM's, yes. But the big 50kW blasters will still be there. WBZ will still exist, as will WABC, WCBS-AM, WFAN, WINS etc.
Just because it's on FM doesn't instantly make it better. See FM News in NYC for the proof.
People listen to low bitrate internet streams all the time... not because of sound quality, but because of CONTENT. Same holds true for AM and FM. If your content is crap, nobody will listen even if it's in 24/96 7.1 DTS surround sound. If it's good, people will listen to it.
The biggest problem for small AM's isn't the transmitted sound quality, it's the man made noise that is crapping up the band. The 50kW sticks can overcome that in the main coverage area.
Just because it's on FM doesn't instantly make it better. See FM News in NYC for the proof.
People listen to low bitrate internet streams all the time... not because of sound quality, but because of CONTENT. Same holds true for AM and FM. If your content is crap, nobody will listen even if it's in 24/96 7.1 DTS surround sound. If it's good, people will listen to it.
The biggest problem for small AM's isn't the transmitted sound quality, it's the man made noise that is crapping up the band. The 50kW sticks can overcome that in the main coverage area.