Last Updated 2 weeks by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and a bipartisan group of colleagues have reintroduced a bill to keep AM broadcast radio in all new vehicles at no additional charge.
The “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” would require devices that can “receive signals and play content transmitted by AM broadcast stations” be installed as standard equipment in all passenger vehicles made in the U.S. for sale in the U.S. or imported into the U.S.
“AM radio plays a vital role in preserving public safety across Indiana. By delivering important weather updates, local news, and emergency and disaster response information, this bill will ensure Hoosiers – especially those in the most rural areas – continue to have access to this critical communication tool,” Young said in a release.
The bill was originally introduced in the House and Senate in 2023, sent to committees for discussion, and amended, but did not reach a vote.
One co-sponsor of the bill, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), says many American drives still turn to AM radio for music, traffic updates, and information.
“Each week, nearly 47 million Americans rely on AM radio for updates on news, sports, weather, and emergency alerts,” Cramer’s office said in a release.
Several automakers, including Tesla, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, and Volkswagen, have decided to stop putting AM radios in their electric vehicles. The carmakers claim that electric motors interfere with the quality of the AM signal and that other options — FM radio, satellite radio, and streaming services — provide consumers with the same service.
Ford, which said in 2023 it would nix AM radio from all 2024 Ford and Lincoln models, later rolled back that decision.
Co-sponsors of the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle” Act include Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
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