A single layer or dual layer magnetic recording medium comprising a non-magnetic substrate having a front side and a back side, a back coat formed on the back side. In a single layer medium, the magnetic layer comprises a ferromagnetic powder dispersed in a binder, and a surface modifier comprising a low molecular weight azo dye. In the dual layer embodiment, a lower support layer is formed over the front side comprising a granular alpha iron oxide compound dispersed in a binder, and as a surface treatment agent, at least one low molecular azo dye having the following general formula: —Ar—N═N—Ar— wherein Ar represents an aryl group, each of which independently comprises at least one pendant group selected from an electron donor, and an electron acceptor, and a magnetic layer is formed over the lower layer.