A bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced legislation to ensure that AM broadcast radio remains available in new vehicles. The bill, sponsored by Senator Edward Markey and Representative Josh Gottheimer, would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue regulations to mandate AM radio in new vehicles without additional charge.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing major automakers, argued that mandating AM radios in all vehicles is unnecessary. They pointed to the Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System (IPAWS) system that can distribute warnings across AM, FM, internet-based or satellite radio and over cellular networks.
However, the sponsors of the bill argue that losing AM radio undermines a federal system for delivering key public safety information to the public. Federal Communications Commission chair Jessica Rosenworcel praised the bill, saying “There is a clear public safety imperative here. Having AM radio available in our cars means we always have access to emergency alerts and key warnings while we are out on the road.”
The bill is a response to automakers such as Tesla, BMW, Ford and Volkswagen, who have removed AM broadcast radio from their electric vehicles. If passed, the legislation would ensure that AM radio remains available in new vehicles, ensuring that drivers have access to important public safety information.