House Passes AM Radio Mandate for All Vehicles
House Passes AM Radio Mandate for All Vehicles
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Key Points
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The National Association of Broadcasters says AM radio offers listeners “trusted news” and “a vital connection to their communities.” Nielsen data cited in the report indicates that more than 90% of U.S. adults listen to radio monthly, while 74% of people who commute listen while driving.
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AM signals can travel much farther than FM signals, especially at night, without relying on repeaters or local stations. The technology can remain operational during disasters with little more than a generator, transmitter and antenna, and AM radio is part of FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
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The bill’s Senate support includes Iowa Republicans Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, while all four Iowa House members were listed as co-sponsors, illustrating support from the state’s entire congressional delegation.
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Automakers have argued that accommodating AM reception in newer vehicles could force them to remove certain safety features, adding a concern beyond the cost and electrical interference issues already cited by the industry.
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Senators Ed Markey and Ted Cruz are co-sponsoring the measure, and President Trump has indicated that he would be willing to sign it if it reaches his desk.
The U.S. House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act by voice vote, requiring automakers to install AM receivers in all new cars at no extra cost. The bipartisan bill, which includes electric vehicles like Tesla models, now heads to the Senate where it has broad support from both parties, including Senators Ed Markey and Ted Cruz Broadcast Dialogue. President Trump has signaled he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Supporters argue AM radio is critical infrastructure for emergency alerts, local news, and sports when cell networks fail or power goes down Gila Valley Central. Automakers including Tesla, Ford, GM, and Toyota have ditched AM tuners in recent models, citing low listener demand and interference from electric powertrains. Broadcasters, Christian media groups, and emergency officials back the mandate as essential to preserving AM's public-safety role.
AM Radio Remains Critical in Disasters
AM signals travel far longer distances than FM, especially at night, without needing local repeaters. The technology works with just a generator, transmitter, and antenna when infrastructure collapses Gila Valley Central. AM radio is part of FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, making it a backbone for disaster communications when internet and cell towers fail.
The National Association of Broadcasters says AM radio gives listeners "trusted news" and "a vital connection to their communities Gila Valley Central." Nielsen data shows 90% of U.S. adults listen to radio monthly, while 74% of people who commute tune in while driving. For rural areas with spotty cellular coverage, AM remains a lifeline to weather alerts and emergency information.
Why Automakers Ditched AM Tuners
Tesla, Volvo, BMW, Ford, GM, and Toyota stopped including AM receivers in many new models. Their main argument: AM radio has declining listenership and electronic interference from EV powertrains makes the signals noisy The Verge. Some automakers claim accommodating AM reception could force them to remove certain safety features or add cost to the vehicle.
Bipartisan Senate Push Will Test Trump's Support
The Senate companion bill has unusual bipartisan backing from Iowa Republicans Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, plus all four of Iowa's House members Broadcast Dialogue. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) co-sponsor the measure, signaling it transcends typical party divides. Trump has already indicated willingness to sign the bill, suggesting smooth passage ahead if the Senate approves it.
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