Radio silence?
Legislation, advocates seek to preserve AM broadcasting in cars
WASHINGTON
AM radio's presence in new vehicles is shrinking.
Many major automakers removed AM radio from cars in favor of streaming apps. Whether it's stripping AM radio capabilities from some vehicles completely or disabling hardware via software updates, brands like Mazda and Tesla led the industry shift.
Unfortunately for drivers, some local broadcasting and emergency alert systems can't be streamed.
Iconic Nashville station 650 AM WSM, broadcast home of the Grand Ole Opry — often called country music's biggest stage — is rallying fans to take action and keep AM radio in cars.
Here's what to know about the fight to keep AM radio accessible for drivers who made it a part of their daily driving experience.
What is the bill?
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, introduced by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., is a bipartisan federal bill that would require automakers to keep AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in new vehicles without charging a fee.
An updated version of the bill advanced through key committees, gaining support from public safety organizations, lawmakers and broadcasters alike. It has not yet passed the full Senate.
According to WSM Radio and the National Association of Broadcasters, listeners can text AM to 39179 to send a message to Congress supporting the legislation.
What would it require?
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would require dashboard AM radio access in every new passenger vehicle made or sold in America. It also calls for consumer transparency, requiring automakers to temporarily label new vehicles that do not have AM radio capabilities.
If the bill becomes law, automakers that do not comply with it could face financial penalties. It also would prevent brands from offering AM radio as a subscription service add-on or surcharge.
What is the debate?
Those who support the legislation believe AM radio is a crucial national security tool for emergencies such as natural disasters. Unlike internet and cellphone towers, AM radio isn't easily disrupted.
Aside from national security, AM radio plays a crucial role in the availability of local broadcasting programs that became a regular part of the commutes of millions of drivers across the United States.
Talk radio and sports and news programs have been around for decades, often led by the same hosts in some instances. Removing AM radio would change the way many drivers interact with their vehicles, since these shows are mostly enjoyed from automobiles.
Tech lobbies and automotive groups argue that AM radio signals could interfere with electric drivetrains for electric vehicles.
Shielding EV powertrain components from this interference could result in additional weight and costs for certain vehicles, ultimately making them more expensive to produce and to buy.
