JUNE 28, 2023:
South Dakota U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and 17 of their Senate colleagues on the AM for Every Vehicle Act. This bicameral and bipartisan legislation would direct federal regulators to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.
“Free AM broadcast radio has been an important resource for decades,” said Rounds. “Whether someone is in their car or tractor, AM radio is a valuable tool to share local news and emergency information. I grew up listening to KCCR on 1240 and KGFX on 1060, especially when I delivered newspapers throughout the Pierre area. It made the time go by quick! I am pleased to join Senators Markey and Cruz on this bipartisan legislation so our future generations have access to this free, key resource, especially in our rural areas across South Dakota.”
“For decades, free AM broadcast radio has been an essential tool in emergencies, a crucial part of our diverse media ecosystem, and an irreplaceable source for news, weather, sports, and entertainment for tens of millions of listeners,” said Markey. “Carmakers shouldn’t tune out AM radio in new vehicles or put it behind a costly digital paywall. I am proud to introduce the AM for Every Vehicle Act to ensure that this resilient and popular communication tool does not become a relic of the past.”
“Each day, millions of Americans turn to AM radio to stay up to date on life in their community, engage on the issues they care about, or to be simply entertained during rush hour,” said Cruz. “AM radio is a critical bulwark for democracy, providing a platform for alternative viewpoints and the ability for elected officials to share our efforts with our constituents. Congress should act swiftly to pass this bill so Americans retain access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts on the public airwaves. I’m glad to work with Senator Markey on this bipartisan legislation to ensure carmakers do not limit Texans’ access to radio in their vehicles.”
Specifically, the AM for Every Vehicle Act would:
- Direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that requires automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee or surcharge.
- Require any automaker that sells vehicles without access to AM broadcast radio before the effective date of the NHTSA regulation to clearly disclose to consumers that the vehicle lacks access to AM broadcast radio.
- Direct the Government Accountability Office to study whether alternative communication systems could fully replicate the reach and effectiveness of AM broadcast radio for alerting the public to emergencies.
This legislation was also cosponsored by Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.).
The AM for Every Vehicle Act is endorsed by the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. Listeners can show their support as well by filling out a form on the website http://whyilisten.com.
Click HERE for full bill text.
JUNE 8, 2023:
The US House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee held a hearing this week (June 6, 2023) titled “Listen Here: Why Americans Value AM Radio.” The hearing follows the recent introduction of the AM for Every Vehicle Act, which would require automakers to continue installing AM radios in vehicles at no additional charge to consumers. The bill was a response to leading electric vehicle manufacturers opting to remove AM radios from their vehicles.
Much of the conversation focused on critical emergency alerts issued over AM radio. Representative John Joyce, a Pennsylvania Republican, explains.
“My district is in the heart of rural Pennsylvania. Many of my constituents, farmers and rural residents alike, rely every day on AM radio to receive their local news, from weather to sports. We know that FEMA relies on am radio to provide alerts through the National Emergency Alert System to our communities. With the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, some have raised concerned that the elimination of AM radio will restrict critical access to emergency alerts for those without cell phones. Some believe FM could soon follow, despite millions of Americans still relying on radio for their news, various talk shows and ultimately for their protection.”
Representative Robin Kelly, an Illinois Democrat, asked about the importance of AM radio for farmers and ranchers. Jerry Chapman, President of Woof Boom Radio of Indiana and Ohio, responded.
“In rural America, AM oftentimes is the best vehicle that we have to get out talk programming, extended long-form. AM radio stations are the primary point that ag news reaches the community that it’s intended and, so AM is central to agriculture.”
The National Association of Broadcasters and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting support the AM for Every Vehicle Act. Listeners can show their support as well by filling out a form on the website http://whyilisten.com.
MAY 23, 2023:
Extended version:
MAY 18, 2023:
This week (May 17, 2023), a group of US Senators from both major political parties introduced the AM for Every Vehicle Act in the Senate. A companion bill has also been introduced in the US House.
Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey says the bipartisan legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require automakers to maintain over-the-air AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee or surcharge.
“For decades, free AM broadcast radio has been an essential tool in emergencies, a crucial part of our diverse media ecosystem, and an irreplaceable source for news, for weather, for sports, and entertainment for tens of millions of listeners. But automakers are making the foolish decision to remove AM radio from many new vehicles. I am introducing the AM for Every Vehicle Act to ensure that new vehicles continue to have access to AM radio. We cannot let this resilient and popular communication tool to become a relic of the past.”
The legislation also directs the Government Accountability Office to study whether alternative communication systems could fully replicate the reach and effectiveness of AM broadcast radio for alerting the public to emergencies.
The bill has broad bipartisan support along with the support of the Federal Communications Commission.
FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington said in a statement, “As I mentioned in my speech to the National Association of Farm Broadcasting last November, the Commission should not be shy about asking auto manufacturers to serve the public interest by continuing to serve AM radio listeners.”
The AM for Every Vehicle Act is endorsed by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters and the National Association of Broadcasters.
MAY 17, 2023:
A group of more than 100 lawmakers this week (May 15, 2023) signed a letter to automakers expressing concerns about the removal and planned removal of AM radio receivers in vehicles. South Dakota US Representative Dusty Johnson is one of the signees.
Representative Greg Pence, an Indiana Republican, led the effort, and says, “If automakers are seeking to remove access to AM radio, my constituents deserve an explanation as to how this could impact their lives and public safety.”
The letter highlights the need of rural Americans to access AM radio, given limited internet and cell phone connectivity. The letter states, “We urge you to maintain AM radio receivers in all vehicles and prioritize consumers and public safety.”
Federal data shows that more than 75 radio stations, mostly AM stations, cover at least 90 percent of the U.S. population and are equipped with backup communications equipment for broadcasting during public emergencies. There have been reports that automakers, including Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Tesla, Polestar, Rivian, GM, and Mercedes Benz, removed, or are planning to remove, broadcast AM radio receivers from all-electric vehicles.
MAY 15, 2023:
Representatives Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey sent a bipartisan letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding the future of AM radio in new vehicles. They expressed concerns over auto makers’ decision to drop AM radio access in the new electric vehicles that will be coming to market. The members talked about the important role that AM radio plays in providing life-saving information to the public.
They also asked FEMA to outline what impact this would have on the nation’s Emergency Alert System and what steps the agency is taking to prevent this from happening in future vehicle models. “AM radio has extensive geographic reach, including areas where there’s little cell service or broadband internet access,” they say in the letter. “Given the growth in electric vehicle sales, it’s vital that FEMA makes clear the impact that no AM radios will have on public safety.”
MAY 5, 2023:
Eight Michigan Representatives entered into a campaign to reverse Ford’s decision to remove AM radio from most new models in 2024. The eight reps sent a letter to Ford’s board of directors making a case to keep the legacy band in cars.
“Not only is AM still widely listened to for entertainment purposes, especially in rural areas, but it is vitally important for emergency services in times of trouble or natural disaster,” the letter says. “Removing AM capability from future vehicles could jeopardize the safety and livelihood of millions of your customers.”
Michigan Rep David Prestin says that Ford’s decision represents “a lack of vision or thought towards national security, our ability to communicate on the most basic level in the future for the unknown things we may have to face. I just find it reckless.” He also points out that AM radio is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System.
APRIL 17, 2023:
Ford Canada confirms that it’s removing AM radios from all vehicles globally.
Ford’s Canadian division says Canada will no longer have access to the AM band in upcoming vehicles.
Radio Ink Dot Com says it’s the first confirmation that removing AM from dashboards won’t be isolated to the U.S.
A Ford Canada spokesperson says that to listen to AM, all drivers have to do is link their phones to the vehicles entertainment system and stream the stations they’re looking for.
Canada has more than 180 AM radio stations. Many of those stations broadcast news and information needed in remote areas that have less than ideal data coverage, making streaming difficult, if not impossible.
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters says this marks another profound challenge to AM radio. “It’s unfortunate that the assumption is made that internet streaming of stations will be a suitable substitute in remote Canadian areas,” the group says.
APRIL 7, 2023:
A new report says Ford will keep AM radios in certain vehicles. The company plans to exclude AM radio from “most new and updated vehicles we bring to market” but also says commercial vehicles will continue to have AM radios. A Ford Authority report says, “This group of vehicles will likely consist of vehicles that count toward Ford Pro sales – the automaker’s commercial-focused division.” The report also says it’s not, by any means, a given because Ford could ditch the feature in some or all of those vehicles as well. So far, a total of eight automakers say they will remove AM radio from the dashboards of some of their models, mostly in the fast-growing electric vehicle segment. In a series of letters, none of the eight are signaling any second thoughts despite the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s push about the critical role AM plays in delivering public safety information.
MARCH 23, 2023:
Representative Josh Gotthemier this week (March 21, 2023) urged electric vehicle manufacturers to include AM radio in their cars and trucks.
The New Jersey Democrat says, “I would think that if Elon Musk has enough money to buy Twitter and send rockets to space, he can afford to include AM radio in his Teslas.”
The lawmaker says that despite the public safety uses of AM radio, many EV manufacturers have stopped including AM radio in their vehicles. AM radio is the backbone behind America’s National Public Warning System, which provides emergency-alert and warning information to the public during major natural disasters and domestic threats. Gottheimer is writing to major EV auto manufacturers urging them to reconsider their decision to discontinue AM radio in their cars.
Gottheimer also called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to add AM radio to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to require that all automakers include AM radio as a stock feature in their vehicles.
MARCH 9, 2023:
Nathan Simington, a Commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission, recently spoke out on the continued importance of AM radio to public safety. He says the issue of continuing to include AM radios in electric vehicles deserves urgent attention.
“As electric vehicle adoption increases, we must not leave behind those in rural areas who depend on radio for their news and alerts,” Simington says. He points out that growing up in rural Saskatchewan was like living in a connectivity desert. “Back then, like now, radio was essential for staying connected,” he says. “While some things have changed, not enough has changed to eliminate the need for radio, and the situation is similar in the United States.”
He also believes the FCC has a duty to make clear how valuable AM radio is to its listeners. “Further, we should be good stewards of the AM radio band,” he says. “That includes safeguarding AM radio reception.”
JANUARY 5, 2023:
Prior to the start of the Consumer Electronics Show this week (Jan. 5-8, 2023), Steve Koenig of the Consumer Technology Association showcased potential, new technology trends to the media.
Koenig says one potential trend is automakers charging extra for AM/FM radios in cars. He says automakers may move to a “Features as a Service” offering for AM/FM radios, allowing automakers to enable or disable features based on whether the car owner is paying for the services.
Automakers claim AM radio signals face electromagnetic interference generated from electric cars. Radio Ink reports, “Automotive companies are salivating at the opportunity to capitalize on car features as services that will be subscription based.”
In December 2022, Massachusetts US Senator Ed Markey, a democrat, urged automakers to maintain free broadcast radio in future electric vehicles. Markey said, “AM/FM broadcast radio remains the most dependable, cost-free, and accessible communication mechanism for public officials to communicate with the public during times of emergency.”
DECEMBER 5, 2022:
Massachusetts Democratic Senator Edward Markey sent letters to 20 car manufacturers requesting they maintain AM radio in their vehicles, including the new EV models. In the letter, Markey says consumers still value AM radio and stressed that free broadcast radio is a critical and reliable channel for local, state, and federal government officials to communicate with the public. He also wants automakers to adopt technological solutions to address any electromagnetic interference that EVs cause with AM radio signals.
“Despite innovations such as smartphones and social media, AM/FM broadcast radio remains the most dependable, cost-free, and accessible communication mechanism for public officials to communicate with the public in emergencies,” Markey says. “As a result, any phase-out of broadcast AM radio could pose a significant communication problem in an emergency.”
Although investments in electric vehicles are critical in addressing the climate, automakers don’t need to sacrifice the benefit of radio in the process.
NOVEMBER 21, 2022:
People shopping for electric vehicles will see that most don’t have AM radio, and it’s a move not sitting well with rural farm broadcasters.
Nathan Simington is a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission who spoke to broadcasters at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s annual convention. He brought a unique perspective to the topic after growing up on a farm in Canada.
“AM radio is an indispensable source of information for more than three million farmers in the U.S.,” Simington says. “To those who say AM is a dead technology, 75 percent of farmers listen to the radio five days per week.” For those who don’t know, AM radio is also the “essential spine” of the Emergency Alert System. “More importantly, farm broadcasters, especially those on AM, are a trusted source of information,” Simington adds. “Forget about oil and gas. These days, trust is the most important commodity out there.”
