Starting with these two simple principles, you can go a long way toward improving your AM reception without having to spend a lot of money or time.
Let's take a look at the first truth of AM reception - a good antenna. Outside of a few select radios engineered with AM radio listeners in mind (such as the CCRadio 3, the CCRadio 2E, and the CCradio-EP PRO), most radios treat AM reception like an afterthought. Many radio manufacturers have relegated AM radio to the past, to the days before FM, and they aren't fully aware of AM's continued popularity across the country. The consequence of this move away from AM is that many radios just don't have very good AM antennas built into them. That means it's up to you to find a suitable AM antenna. More on this in a moment, first let's look at basic idea of number 2.
If you're trying to listen to a radio station that doesn't broadcast in your direction, chances are very slim that you'll have much luck. Also, if your antenna isn't correctly directed at the signal coming your way, you'll also experience diminished reception. Ideally, your antenna should be at right angles to the AM signals coming toward it. Think of it in terms of trying to hit a baseball with a bat. Even if you are a phenomenal hitter, it is difficult to hit a pitch with the narrow tip of the bat. Sure, you might come close. If you're lucky, you might even make contact with the ball, but you'll never make the good solid connection needed to hit a home run or even get a base hit. The same is true with radio signals that aren't hitting your antenna.
You don't necessarily need to buy an antenna to improve your AM reception. A simple loop antenna can be made at home using basic materials you may already have, and it can help strengthen weak AM stations and reduce interference. It's an inexpensive way to experiment with antenna placement and direction while seeing just how much difference a properly positioned antenna can make.
For step-by-step instructions, see our guide: How to Make a Simple, Powerful AM Loop Antenna for Free.