Bill forcing AM radio tuners in cars gets second wind

[mre29 1967]

https://thedesk.net/2026/05/bill-forcing-am-radio-tuners-in-cars-gets-second-wind/

 

Quote

The bill, originally known as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, sprang up three years ago after some electric car makers said they would stop supporting the technology over concerns that engines used in those vehicles interfered with received AM radio signals, leading to interference playing out on sound systems.

Automakers were concerned that the interference, a normal byproduct of engines found in some electric cars, would result in consumers feeling their vehicles were defective. Most AM radio stations are also available over broadband via free streaming apps offered by Audacy, iHeart and Stingray’s TuneIn.

Lawmakers who support the proposal appear swayed by AM radio advocates who say the technology is needed to keep Americans informed about emergency situations, with AM radio stations often acting as the “carrier” station for emergency alert notifications that are distributed to other radio stations and television partners.

The commercial AM radio industry relies primarily on “reach” — the availability of tuners in vehicles — to support their advertising business at a time when most Americans have switched to on-demand music apps and other digital audio platforms. As hybrid and fully electric vehicles gain momentum, some industry advocates are concerned that pulling AM radio tuners will lead to a significant drop in reach, which would undermine their business.

 

This may be my cynical side speaking, but I can't help but think this is really about protecting (conservative) talk radio.

 

[TVLurker 389]

this is still stupid. AM radio stations have so much interference (cellular or otherwise) that it's unlistenable with a regular AM tuner. If you ask me, they should be working on converting AM stations to HD.

[evv_mlis 34]

I'd just be for the US having DAB like other countries.