Don’t let me touch that dial.
The battle to keep AM radio in cars is far from over.
The Vehicle AM Radio Act, currently awaiting Senate approval, would require all new vehicles manufactured and sold in the United States to come standard with equipment that allows access to AM stations at no additional cost. .
“I believe these automakers stepped up to remove AM radio as part of a broader pattern of censoring opinions unfavorable to large corporations,” Cruz said.
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the bill in May 2023 in response to Tesla and BMW’s announcements that they would no longer install AM radios in their cars due to electromagnetic interference.
The bill has broad bipartisan support, particularly from Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who took the unusual step of seeking a unanimous consent vote to approve the bill in December. We took the following steps. This was blocked by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), who argued that the task would be an overreach of Congressional power.
Vote on AM radio bill blocked – we want to keep all cars with AM radios
Is the threat AM radio poses to automakers strictly technical? Cruz is skeptical.
“I believe these automakers stepped up to remove AM radio as part of a broader pattern of censoring opinions unfavorable to large corporations,” Cruz said. “I think this is consistent with how Big Tech has silenced voices with which they disagree. So this bill is designed to preserve consumer choice, to let consumers decide. is.”
Retiring AM radios in cars could put at risk many Americans, especially those living in rural areas, who rely on AM radio for information during disasters.
“Emergency broadcast systems are a major reason for our support,” said Tom Brand, executive director of the National Agricultural Broadcasting Association. “We believe it’s important that no matter what zip code you live in, you have access to emergency information, from the weather to messages you might receive from Washington, D.C..”
Now is the time to contact your elected officials and tell them to pass this important legislation.
lauren fix He is a nationally recognized automotive expert, journalist, and author. She is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and an ASE Certified Technician. Lauren has been repairing, restoring, and racing cars since she was 10 years old.
