The days of crackly AM radio appear to be numbered, despite efforts to keep up with emergency alert systems that depend on the technology. Automakers inaccurately complained that keeping AM radio could interfere with sensitive electronic equipment and EV features, but a new report shows that the arguments were really about their bottom lines.
The Drive reported that the Center for Automotive Research and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation released a joint document arguing against keeping AM radio in cars, following the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023.
While passionate, the groups’ statements boil down to one thing: money. Their arguments against AM radio included debunked claims of interference with EV technology, but automakers have also been removing AM from gas-powered cars. Plus, as The Drive pointed out, the Venn diagram of people who buy EVs and listen to AM radio has a very small overlap. AM radio listeners tend to skew toward right-wing media, which hasn’t been so welcoming of electric vehicles.
Others point to the gross overestimates of expenses related to keeping AM radio. One spokesperson told Automotive News that the expense would only be a fraction of the auto industry’s estimates.
The good news for AM radio is that the auto industry appears poised to lose its fight. There’s overwhelming support for the AM radio legislation in Congress, and officials from agencies like FEMA have spoken out in support.
[Image: Tuckraider via Shutterstock]
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