Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Find Radio Online
AM FM HD

Advertisement

Should AM Radio Remain in Automobile Dashboards


Radio Dial
Radio Dial

In recent months, major auto manufacturers such as Ford, have announced the removal of AM radios from their new vehicles sparking broadcasters and even some lawmakers to cry foul. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has even launched a new campaign highlighting the importance of AM radio in the car for news, community engagement, entertainment and vital public safety information.

AM radio has been around for over a century and has played a significant role in the history of broadcasting. However, in recent years, the popularity of AM radio has declined due to the rise of FM radio, HD radio and digital streaming services, which offer more options and better sound quality. Additionally, AM radio is more susceptible to interference from electrical equipment and atmospheric conditions, which can result in poor reception.

Despite these challenges, AM radio is still a valuable tool for emergency broadcasting and can reach a wider area than FM radio in some situations. It is also a more affordable option for smaller, local radio stations that may not have the resources to switch to digital broadcasting.

While the popularity of AM radio has declined, it still has some important uses and can continue to be a valuable part of the broadcasting landscape. The decision of whether or not to include AM radio in automobiles ultimately depends on various factors, including consumer demand, cost and the availability of alternative technologies.

Many people still enjoy listening to AM radio while driving, particularly for news, sports, and talk shows. Additionally, in areas with poor FM radio coverage or during emergencies, AM radio can be a more reliable source of information than other forms of communication.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include AM radio in automobiles will likely depend on consumer preferences and the cost and feasibility of incorporating the technology. As more and more drivers turn to digital streaming options for their audio needs, it may become less common to see AM radio in new car models.

There are a growing number of policymakers in Washington leading the charge to stop AM's removal from cars by engaging with both auto manufacturers and relevant federal agencies. Sen. Ed Markey (MA) sent a letter to automakers urging the inclusion of AM radio in future models and sharing its critical function during dangerous weather events and natural disasters. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ) announced a series of steps he is taking to ensure all cars have AM radio. FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington has said that the Commission "should make clear the vital importance of AM radio."

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

21 Members of Congress Added as LRFA Cosponsors
U.S. Congress
U.S. Congress
Twenty-one members of the House of Representatives and two senators have added their support to a resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), More

iHM Bans ChatGPT Use to Protect Intellectual Property
iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia
In an internal iHeartMedia memo sent to staff, Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman and President/COO and CFO Rich Bressler are warning employees not to use ChatGPT or any other artificial intelligence services on company devices. It also asks that staffers not More

Audacy Inks EVP/COO Susan Larkin to New Agreement
Susan Larkin
Susan Larkin
During its annual meeting of shareholders, Audacy's board of directors renewed one executive's contract while a board member has left the company. Executive VP/COO Susan Larkin has signed a new deal keeping with Audacy through at least May 4, 2026, More
Advertisement

Texas Radio Hall of Fame Nominations Open June 1
Texas Radio Hall of Fame
Texas Radio Hall of Fame
Nominations for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame's 2023 Induction Class may be submitted beginning at noon on June 1. The nominations portal will be accessible to voting members at TRHOF.net through Friday, June 30. More

Top 25 Podcasts Reach 45% of Weekly Podcast Listeners
Edison Research
Edison Research
When advertisers look at the podcasting space, they are met with the reality of a world filled with hundreds of thousands of shows, many of which have loyal audiences. All across the spectrum there are effective podcasts targeting niche audiences More

Townsquare/Billings Names Stewart as Director of Content
Bill Stewart
Bill Stewart
Townsquare Media/Billings, MT names Bill "Stu" Stewart as its new Director of Content for its five-station cluster there, effective immediately. He formerly served as PD/morning host of iHeartMedia Country KASH-FM (KASH Country) and CHR More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement