Proponents argue that AM radio serves as an indispensable lifeline during emergencies, capable of transmitting critical information over vast distances where cellular networks often fail. While manufacturers have increasingly abandoned the band in favor of digital streaming services and software-defined architectures, the legislative push is gaining momentum. Electric vehicle makers have been particularly vocal about the shift, citing electromagnetic interference from motors that can degrade audio quality, yet the broad coalition of emergency responders and broadcast industry advocates has proven more persuasive on Capitol Hill.
Congress Moves to Mandate AM Radio in New Vehicles
A rare instance of bipartisan unity has propelled the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act through the House of Representatives, signaling a potential federal mandate that would require automakers to include AM radio as standard equipment at no extra cost to consumers, effectively ending the industry trend of phasing out the century-old technology.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it carries significant weight. Sens. Ed Markey and Ted Cruz have already secured 60 co-sponsors for their companion version, a threshold sufficient to bypass a filibuster. Should the Senate mirror the House’s approval, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be directed to enforce the mandate. Major manufacturers, including Tesla, Rivian, BMW, and Volvo, have already begun distancing themselves from traditional AM hardware, with some opting for digital alternatives like iHeartRadio. While Ford initially removed AM receivers from certain models, the company has since reversed that decision, hinting at the shifting political and consumer landscape surrounding the broadcast band.
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