> If you want to handle a signal in the analog domain, it doesn't take much in terms of electronics. AM radio can be received using a crystal radio, 100+ year old technology, if the signal is strong enough. You need 6 parts, antenna, ground lead, coil, capacitor, diode, headphones.

If there's one very strong station near you, you just need an antenna wire, ground, diode, and high-Z headphones. You'll hear the station.