AM radio broadcasting lengths?

Question

my buddy and i are havin over this, is AM radio local or like longer length such as state/national?

Answer 1

Just to add some info, clear channel A.M. stations are allowed a max of 50,000 watts.  Anytime after 8:00 P.M. in Louisiana, WLS Chicago a clear channel station could be heard, via extended ground wave.

Answer 2

AM radio, by the frequencies used, are local coverage during the day, but after sunset, the band conditions change and you can hear them several states away...

HOWEVER, the FCC limits the day/night power levels and radiation patterns.

For example, a "daytimer" may operate up to 500 watts from sun up to sun  down. A non-clear channel station my be 5000 watts omni directional during the day, but be cut back to 1000 watts and phase the array to avoid interference to another station 3 states away.

Answer 3

local  bandwith