Congress wants to keep AM radio in every new car
In the era of streaming music and satellite radio, traditional broadcast stations are easy to overlook. AM radio, in particular, has fallen out of favor with younger drivers. So it’s perhaps no surprise that some automakers have begun dropping it from new vehicles. Congress, however, wants to put a stop to that. Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 979 , the “AM Radio for…
While traditional broadcast stations may seem out of step with the modern era of streaming music and satellite radio, Congress aims to keep AM radio alive in every new car. Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 979, the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025," which now sits on the Senate's legislative calendar with bipartisan support.
The bill's backers argue that AM radio, despite its association with political talk shows, religious programming, and sports, still holds a significant audience. The National Association of Broadcasters estimates that over 80 million Americans tune in each month. AM stations are seen as a platform for locally produced content that caters to unique cultural and linguistic needs, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities who often start their radio ownership journey with these stations.
However, automakers are facing increased tariffs and rising component costs, making the removal of AM radio a potential way to save on vehicle expenses. Yet, there's a catch for electric vehicle manufacturers - the high-voltage electrical systems in EVs interfere with AM radio reception, leading to staticky signals. John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, testified in 2024 that there's no way to eliminate this interference, and reducing it would add weight, affect battery range, and cost around $3.8 billion.
Supporters of the legislation insist that AM radio plays a crucial role in the nation's emergency alert infrastructure, including a FEMA-supported network of radio stations that remain operational during disasters. Despite the auto industry's potential opposition, the bill has supporters beyond the broadcasting industry, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, AARP, and a coalition of public safety organizations.
The Senate's vote on this bill before the November midterm elections remains uncertain, and its chances at the White House are unclear. Recent data suggests that AM/FM radio still holds a strong presence in the audio landscape, with 62% of ad-supported audio listening among adults in 2025, compared to just 6% for Spotify's ad-supported service.
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