Ford Says it Will Keep AM Radio in Automobiles

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Ford

Ford CEO Jim Farley announced Tuesday that it's reversing its previous decision to remove AM radio from new vehicles, both electric and gasoline operated, in 2024. In a post on LinkedIn and Twitter, he wrote, "After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system, we've decided to include it on all 2024 Ford & Lincoln vehicles. For any owners of Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability, we'll offer a software update."

In a statement, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, "NAB commends Ford for committing to keep AM radio in their vehicles, which will keep Americans safe and informed, particularly in times of emergency. With tens of millions of listeners, AM radio continues to serve as a vital lifeline to the public and a critical source of community news and exchange of diverse ideas.

"In light of Ford's announcement, NAB urges other automakers who have removed AM radio from their vehicles to follow Ford's lead and restore this technology in the interest of listeners and public safety.

"NAB thanks the numerous lawmakers who are leading the charge to keep AM radio in automobiles, particularly the supporters of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Their bipartisan voices are helping to shine a light on the need to keep this critical service. Broadcasters will continue to support this major legislation to ensure consumer access to AM radio in all vehicles."

Ford will add the AM radio option to its 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E through a software update. In addition, Ford will not remove the AM option from its gasoline-powered vehicles in 2024 as previously announced. initially.

Last week, Reps. Bob Latta (OH-5), Greg Pence (IN-6) and 100 of their bipartisan House colleagues sent individual letters today to Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Tesla, Polestar, Rivian, GM and Mercedes-Benz urging them to maintain AM radio in all vehicles.

The bicameral, bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act was recently introduced by Sens. Ed Markey (MA), Ted Cruz (TX), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Deb Fischer (NE), Ben Ray Luján (NM), J.D. Vance (OH), Bob Menendez (NJ) and Ricker Wicker (MS), and Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Bruce Westerman (AR-4), Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-7), Rob Menendez (NJ-8) and Maria Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-3).

Under the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, the Secretary of Transportation has one year to establish a standard for all new motor vehicles in the U.S. to come with AM radio reception and playback. This feature should be clearly visible on the vehicle's dashboard. Between the legislation's enactment and the new standard taking effect, cars lacking AM radio receivers must be explicitly labeled for buyers.