Is F.M. radio different throughout America?

Question

I was wondering if you can tune into say, 101.3 in Oregon and tune into the same F.M. in New York and get a different station. Because there is a 105.7 F.M. station in Russia and I Googled it and it said it was a Wisconsin (spelt right?) station. Just wondering; thanks for all input!

Answer 1

Yes, my grandfather operates 103.5 F.M here in central coast california, but it's zoned. For instance, as close as Monterey there would be a different station operating on the same wavelength. I don't know how they size the zones, but I know the broadcast strength is limited as is the range of frequencies, so you don't encroach on other stations with similar frequencies.

There are most certainly thousands of stations worldwide operating on the same frequency.

Answer 2

FM radio stations have limited distance that they cover so the US FCC will license additional stations on the same frequency as long as they don't interfere with existing ones.  Typically for full power stations that means another one may be 120 or so miles away.  In the crowded areas,, i.e. CA or NY it can get pretty crowded on the band.  Lower powered stations may be even closer together.