Bill to Force Carmakers to Keep AM Radio Gains in Congress

Carmakers would need to keep AM broadcast radio in new vehicles under a bill moving forward in the House, marking momentum in both chambers for legislation that has faced opposition from electric vehicle manufacturers.

A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee advanced on Thursday the bipartisan measure (H.R. 8449) to create a rule requiring car manufacturers install AM radio-capable devices in all new passenger vehicles sold in the US without additional cost to consumers. AM radio is needed to broadcast alerts during emergencies and storms, lawmakers say, as automakers push for more modern technology.

“AM Radio stations play a critical role in our nation’s communications network, which is why I remain concerned that some automakers plan to phase out AM radio from their electric vehicle models,” Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) said this week when announcing the new bill with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.).

The legislation responds to a move from some automakers, such as Tesla Inc. and BMW AG, to remove traditional AM radio receivers from cars, particularly electric vehicles. The carmakers say the electromagnetic signals interfere with the frequencies. Although many automakers have stuck with their plans, Ford Motor Co. reversed its decision to remove AM radio after backlash.

Automakers and the technology industry have been quick to oppose proposed mandates from Congress, arguing that AM radio’s listenership is down, mandates could cause costly redesigns, and drivers can access AM programming through digital and satellite services.

The effort to mandate AM radio in new vehicles is gaining traction in both chambers of Congress. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee last year advanced its bill (S. 1669) to require AM radio in new cars. Last month, Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said they secured 60 co-sponsors for the measure.

Cars Required to Keep AM Radio in Bill Advanced by Senate Panel

“With a filibuster-proof supermajority in the Senate, Congress should quickly take it up and pass it,” Markey and Cruz said in a statement.