US automakers could soon be forced to include AM radio for free

A rare display of bipartisanship in Washington has given rise to a new piece of legislation that could soon mandate AM radio be included as standard equipment in all new cars, trucks, and SUVs. The House of Representatives recently approved the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, a bill that would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require automakers to include AM radio without extra cost to consumers. The bill now prepares to move to the Senate for further consideration.

Support for this legislation has come from an unexpected quarter: automakers themselves. While many have moved away from traditional AM radio in favor of newer technology like streaming services, some still offer the option, and the support of these manufacturers could prove crucial.

The push for AM radio as a standard feature is rooted in its invaluable role during emergencies, where its long-distance signals can provide critical information when other communication channels fail. Democrats and Republicans alike, alongside emergency responder organizations and former FEMA administrators, have rallied behind this bill. Co-sponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the bill garnered 60 co-sponsors earlier this year, a significant step towards overcoming a filibuster in the Senate.

In a joint statement, Cruz and Markey emphasized the bill's importance, stating that it ensures AM radio remains a trusted and essential resource for commuters and communities. Despite the trend towards software-defined vehicles and the potential interference from electric motors, automakers like Ford have reversed their decision to drop AM radio from some models, while others, such as Tesla and Rivian, have either removed AM receivers altogether or integrated them into digital platforms.