The pending death of AM broadcasting is a common refrain these days.

Claims based on highly publicized station closings (e.g., author Stephen King), over-generalized personal experiences, the uncertainty of AM’s presence in automobiles, sentiment surrounding the medium and miscellaneous random events have fed this narrative.

But as in the infamous obituary for Mark Twain, this corpse can still fog a mirror. Here is why I say that.

The famous Southern comedian, Lewis Grizzard, had many, many funny sayings. Some got Baptist churches riled up at times. One of those was the title to a comedy album released in 1985, “I’ve Seen England, I’ve Seen France, I’ve Seen Miss America Without Her Underpants.” Well, Lewis didn’t make an appearance at the 2025 Huntsville Hamfest. Neither did that particular Miss America. But this line came to mind as I sat among about 30 or so hams in the ARRL Forum. It was hosted by Mikey Baker, N4MB, ARRL Director, Southeastern Division. This Division covers Alabama, Georgia, Northern Florida, Southern Florida, West Central Florida, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands sections of the League. They claim to be the largest Division in the ARRL. There are a lot of licensed hams in those states but far fewer members.