{
  "id": 11999314,
  "title": "Radio Broadcasters Support America's 'AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/radio-broadcasters-support-americas-am-radio-for-every-vehicle-act",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-04T20:37:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Slashdot",
    "slug": "slashdot",
    "url": "https://tech.slashdot.org/story/26/10/04/208221/radio-broadcasters-support-americas-am-radio-for-every-vehicle-act"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The U.S. House recently approved the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. This bipartisan legislation aims to mandate AM radio in all new vehicles, though it currently awaits Senate approval. Broadcasters argue that AM radio serves as a vital source of information, providing essential news, weather updates, and alerts, particularly when cellular and internet services are down or unreliable.\n\nMary Sandberg Boyle, vice president and general manager of WGN-AM 720, emphasized the strong connection radio provides, especially in Chicago. She highlighted that radio is accessible without a subscription, data plan, or app, and becomes crucial during severe weather and breaking news situations. Boyle noted that local radio can stay live, adapt content, and reach a large audience quickly, ensuring public safety.\n\nThe bill's origins stem from automakers removing AM radio from certain electric vehicle (EV) models due to interference from electric power systems. Automakers such as Tesla, Rivian, and Volvo have either removed or limited AM radio in some EVs. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing major automakers, opposes the requirement, arguing that analog AM radio does not enhance motor vehicle safety and is unnecessary for public safety.\n\nUnder the legislation, the U.S. Department of Transportation would establish regulations to ensure AM radio availability in new vehicles sold in the U.S. The measure also prohibits automakers from charging consumers separately for AM radio access. While discussions around the legislation have centered on emergency alerts and news access, some experts suggest that preserving AM radio also impacts media diversity. Zachary McDowell, an associate professor of communications at the University of Illinois Chicago, emphasized that AM radio remains a diverse space offering various voices and authentic conversations that differ from broadcast television and digital media. Rodney Gibbs, executive director of Heartland Signal, which operates a local talk radio station, noted that AM radio still has a viable audience and provides a unique, unscripted, and authentic interaction between hosts and listeners, distinct from digital media platforms.",
  "summary": "Last month, the U.S. House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. They call it \"a bipartisan effort to require AM radio in new vehicles,\" adding that the bill now \"awaits action in the Senate, where a companion measure has already garnered support, according to public records.\" Broadcasters said AM radio remains a critical source of information, offering news…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}