The FM radio broadcasts are made in a band of frequencies between 88 megahertz and 108 megahertz. The FCC or Federal Communications Commission, which earmarked this band for FM radios, also allots calls signs to radio stations.

For instance, if a Chicago radio goes on the air with the announcement that this is 99.5 FM WUSN, you know that this is an FM radio station broadcasting on a frequency of 99.5 megahertz or 99,500,000 cycles per second.

You can adjust your FM radio scanner to this frequency and listen to hours of country music, which is the specialty of this radio station. Similarly, if you want to listen to jazz you may adjust your FM radio tuner to 95.5. This is the frequency on which WNUA broadcasts jazz in Chicago.

The FM radio stations are largely local, and operate in a small radius. Most of them transmit high quality digital music that can be heard on FM radios or transistor sets whose receivers are tuned to receive broadcasts in the 88 to 108 MHz band. Besides music, local FM radio stations also transmit city news. They frequently interrupt their broadcasts to advise drivers of traffic snarls.

Interactivity is a high point of FM radio stations. Most have well-known radio jockeys who keep the listeners enthralled with their silky smooth voices. Phone ins is another feature that has been developed by FM radio stations. Well-known anchors and local celebrities field these calls which seek advice on personal problems or ask the anchors to broadcast favorite numbers.

In the last few years several FM radio stations have set up operations on the net. This has increased the reach of these FM stations. An FM radio station operating out of Wisconsin can now be heard in Pretoria, Chennai or Buenos Aires. This increased reach has added to the listener base of FM radios. At the same time it has made them more competitive.