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AM Radio Mandate: Cars Must Tune In!
18 Sep
Summary
- New bill requires AM radio in all new vehicles at no extra consumer cost.
- AM radio is deemed critical for emergency broadcasts when other networks fail.
- Electric vehicle manufacturers may face significant updates due to motor interference.
Legislation requiring new vehicles to include AM radio as standard has advanced through the House of Representatives. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act aims to ensure this 100-year-old technology is present in cars and trucks at no additional consumer cost.
The bill's resurgence is driven by arguments that AM radio provides essential information during emergencies, particularly when cellphone networks are down. Both political parties, alongside the broadcast industry and emergency responders, have shown recent support for the Act.
Automakers, especially those producing electric vehicles, face potential challenges. Manufacturers like Tesla have previously cited motor interference affecting AM radio signals, leading them to phase out the technology in favor of streaming services. Other companies have followed suit, making this legislation a significant shift.
Analysis suggests the act could require annual updates to radio equipment for millions of vehicles, disproportionately affecting EV manufacturers. The Senate's upcoming review of the bill will determine if AM radio remains a mandatory feature in new vehicles.
