By Lauren Fix
AM radio may be fading, but there’s still good reason to keep it around. When was the last time you listened to the radio? Not SiriusXM or internet radio, but good old, commercial-packed terrestrial radio. Even if you’re a diehard FM fan, there’s more than a great chance it’s been a long time since you listened to AM. If some automakers get their way, the band might go away entirely, as some say the frequencies don’t play nicely with electric vehicles’ motors.
Some automakers are cutting AM radios from their EVs because electric motors can cause interference with the frequencies, leading to unwanted noises and poor reception. AM radio is one of the most widespread avenues for authorities to distribute vital information during an emergency. Senator Ed Markey from Massachusetts agreed, saying he wanted car companies to keep free radio access for public safety. Additionally, a group of former Federal Emergency Management Agency administrators called on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and congress to act to preserve the radio system.
Here’s the official statement from FEMA: “This change is necessary to ensure that first responders have the most up-to-date emergency information when they are responding to an incident. With the widespread use of cell phones and other technologies, FM radio is no longer the best way to provide emergency information to emergency responders.”
Ford Motor Co. is preparing to remove AM radio in most of its “new and updated 2024 models, despite concerns and push back from U.S. officials over Americans losing access to safety alerts broadcast over the AM airwaves. According to a Ford representative, “A majority of U.S. AM stations, as well as a number of countries and automakers globally, are modernizing radio by offering internet streaming through mobile apps, FM, digital and satellite radio options.” “Ford will continue to offer these alternatives for customers to hear their favorite AM radio music, news and podcasts as we remove amplitude modulation, the definition of AM in this case, from most new and updated models we bring to market,” he added, noting that commercial vehicles will still retain AM radio features because of contract language.
Sadly, this is not just Ford products removing AM radio from their vehicles, Mazda, Audi, Porsche, Tesla, Rivian, BMW, Volkswagen and Volvo are also on board for this removal. Stellantis is one of the brands who have preserved AM radio.
Here is the main concern for federal officials is that AM radio is essential for emergency broadcasts. The loss of the AM radio feature in these vehicles could potentially hamper any updates for natural disasters. For once, Pete Buttigieg is right about something. For their part, car manufacturers say that as technology changes, so should the system for broadcasting critical emergency updates.
Yes, there are options such as radio.com, tune-in, Audacy and others but this is not the same when you need local weather, news and listening to local sporting events. AM radio remains the most pervasive telecommunications medium, reaching 92 percent of the US population with a daily AM radio audience of 50 million. Still, car makers are starting to phase it out, especially with their electric models but not all brands are following this path. Customer demand is important.
Dumping AM radio devices from EVs eliminates an important form of communication that the public can use during times of emergency. The federal emergency alert system, for example, relies on AM radio to communicate with the public. The government is pushing back on car manufacturers as well as other.
WABC, New York station owner John Catsimatidis launched a “Save AM Radio” Campaign. This new campaign has been reaching out to political contacts and attending meetings in Washington to save AM Radio, the undisputed most reliable form of communication during emergencies is this radio source.
Catsimatidis has met with members of the FCC and FEMA and, at Catsimatidis’ request, former Vice President Mike Pence voiced a “Save AM Radio”. Catsimatidis is offering the PSA to every radio station in America. He stated, “The automotive industry is doing a huge disservice to Americans by even considering the removal of AM radio from cars. They are putting the safety of Americans at peril by putting profits before people. Americans deserve better. I am urging all AM and FM radio stations and state broadcast associations to band together and bring common sense to Ford and other auto manufacturers.”
You might be wondering who still listens to the radio, but there’s certainly no supply shortage. Nielsen said that AM/FM signals reach 92% of Americans, and almost 50 million people listen to AM radio. AM radio brings many of the globes top talk radio shows and the demand for weekly talk radio is still strong. I personally am on multiple radios shows with regular weekly content. Also, AM signals still travel further than FM, making it a vital lifeline for people in natural disasters such as hurricanes and fires.
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, author, and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news, and safety issues.
Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak.
Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.
Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.
