AM radio is under fire.
AM radio, a longstanding pillar of mass communication, is facing a potential decline in the automotive sector, as several manufacturers, particularly in the electric vehicle market, have chosen to exclude it from their latest models. They cite electromagnetic interference as the primary reason for the exclusion. This move has sparked significant opposition from various groups, including broadcasters, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and lawmakers, all of whom are concerned about the impact on access to vital information and media diversity within vehicles.
In response to these concerns, Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) have introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The bill aims to ensure that all new vehicles retain the capability to receive AM broadcasts. The proposal has gained traction in Congress and is supported by organizations like the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the National Association of Religious Broadcasters (NRB), and the AARP, the latter emphasizing AM radio’s significance for older adults.
Troy A. Miller, Chairman of the NRB, has expressed that the push to remove AM radio is not just about technological updates but is a matter of controlling the flow of information. He argued that the removal of AM radio from vehicles would limit access to essential media and restrict diverse voices. Similarly, advocates from the Hispanic and Christian communities, such as Fayra Castro, president of the Glocal Communicators Association, have stressed the importance of AM radio as a space for cultural and faith-based content, warning that its removal could compromise media freedom and diversity.
Beyond its everyday role in entertainment and news, AM radio is crucial in emergencies. Bill Sweeney of the AARP highlighted that older adults, who are more vulnerable during crises, rely on AM radio for timely updates. In situations such as hurricanes or wildfires, AM radio serves as a critical component of the emergency communication system, ensuring that people stay informed and safe.
Despite the growing popularity of streaming and podcasts, AM radio continues to hold a vital position in the media landscape. According to 2023 Nielsen data, 91% of U.S. adults listen to the radio monthly, with a significant portion tuning into AM stations, particularly in vehicles. The Hispanic community, in particular, relies on AM radio for access to Spanish-language content and community connection, while Christian broadcasters use it to share faith-based programming. The ongoing debate surrounding the exclusion of AM radio in cars reflects broader issues such as equitable access to information, media diversity, and safety during emergencies.