Senators Ed Marley of Maine and Ted Crux of Texas have reintroduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in Congress to ensure automakers continue to include AM in new vehicles at no extra charge. The legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to mandate AM radio as a standard safety feature in all new cars. Initially introduced in may 2023, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act advanced through both the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee last year.
Marley commented that as we witness more tragic climate change-induced disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, broadcast AM radio continues to be a critical tool for communication. Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act heeds their words and ensures that this essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial. Several auto manufacturers such as Tesla, Volkswagen, Mazda and BMW have opted to eliminate AM radios in their new vehicles.
