The Wall Street Journal reports that a “motley group of AM radio supporters,” including conservative talk show hosts and federal emergency officials, are lobbying Congress to prevent automakers from removing AM radio from new cars. Reported to be active.
Lawmakers say they want the law to require them to continue making cars with free AM radios because most car companies aren't proactive about the future of AM tuners in their cars. Supporters say it's a critical part of emergency communications networks, while automakers argue Americans have many other ways to receive alerts and information, including on their cellphones. ing. The bill brought together members of Congress who normally don't want to interact with each other. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) are leading the Senate effort, while Speaker Mike Johnson, himself a Louisiana conservative talk radio host, is leading the effort in the House. former host) and a progressive “team.” Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, a member of the…
Nielsen research from Spring 2023, the most recent available, shows that AM radio is listened to by approximately 78 million Americans each month. That's down from about 107 million vehicles in spring 2016, one of the earliest periods for which Nielsen has data… According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an auto industry trade group, the phenomenon “essentially replaces the already obscure analog AM radio frequencies. You won't be able to hear it.” Shielding cables and components to reduce interference will cost automakers $3.8 billion over seven years, the group estimates.
Markey and other lawmakers say they want to keep AM radio because of its role in emergency communications. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says more than 75 radio stations, most of which operate on the AM band and cover at least 90% of the U.S. population, are equipped with backup communications equipment and generators to broadcast information to the public. states that it can be continued. Both in emergencies and emergencies. In a letter last year, seven former FEMA administrators urged Congress to seek a commitment from automakers to continue using radio broadcasts. Lawmakers said informal responses from companies spurred the bill.
Markey said in an interview that automakers increasingly want to put radios and other car features “behind a paywall.” “At a time when America's motorists see their cars as a safety resource for themselves and their families, they see them as a new profit center for themselves…” compared the resistance to previous opposition to government mandates such as seat belts. And airbags. “It's very dangerous to leave safety decisions up to the auto industry,” Markey said.
Lawmakers heard from more than 400,000 AM radio supporters, according to the president of the National Association of Broadcasters.
But the article also cited a Consumer Technology Association executive as saying that automakers and technology advocacy groups told lawmakers that mandating AM radio “would be contrary to free market principles.” I am quoting. It's a technology from 100 years ago. ”
