Columbus Standard

Washington D.C. – On May 15, 2023, Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) led 102 of their colleagues in sending a letter to several automaker companies to express their concerns about reports that these companies removed, or are planning to remove, broadcast AM radio receivers from vehicles. 

“Hoosiers across my district rely on free AM radio to receive their news and access ongoing and potentially life-saving emergency alerts during natural disasters. Despite new technologies, the elimination of AM radio from vehicles could still cause a serious communication issue during times of crises, particularly in rural areas where broadband connectivity is unreliable,” said Congressman Pence. “If automakers are seeking to remove access to AM radio, my constituents in Indiana’s Sixth District deserve an explanation as to how this could impact their lives and public safety.”

“Rural Ohioans know the importance of access to AM radio,” Congressman Latta said. “When the Internet is down or cell service is nonexistent, we need AM radio to keep our families and communities informed and safe. Whether it’s to receive reliable emergency alerts and warning information, the latest on extreme weather conditions, or updates on health emergencies, AM radio is the dependable and lifesaving link that connects and informs millions of Americans. With reports that automakers are planning to remove or already removing broadcast AM radio receivers from current or future vehicles, we are simply requesting they provide clear and direct answers to our questions regarding these reports and urge they maintain AM radio receivers in all vehicles to prioritize consumer and public safety.”

"NAB thanks Reps. Bob Latta (OH-5), Greg Pence (IN-6) and the 102 bipartisan signatories to this letter who are fighting to keep AM radio in cars. These legislators understand the critical role that AM radio plays in disseminating vital information to the public, particularly in times of emergency. Tens of millions of Americans listen to AM radio each month for its local and diverse content and we applaud these lawmakers for their commitment to their constituents who depend on AM,” said President and CEO of National Association of Broadcasters Curtis LeGeyt.

Click here to read the full letter.

Background:

There have been reports that a multitude of well-known automakers, including Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Tesla, Polestar, Rivian, GM, and Mercedes Benz, removed, or are planning to remove, broadcast AM radio receivers from all electric vehicles. 

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), AM radio has more than 45 million listeners each month, and the American people rely on it for emergency alerts and local news, weather, and information. In fact, over 75 radio stations, the majority of which operate on AM broadcast and cover at least 90% of the American population, have equipment that allow them to continue to broadcast information to the public during and after an emergency, even when Internet connectivity and cell phone service is unavailable. AM broadcast radio serves as the backbone of our nation’s Emergency Alert System (EAS) and is critical to public safety in times of crises.

In the letter, the lawmakers urged the automakers to maintain AM radio receivers in all vehicles and requested answers to seven specific questions about their decision to remove these receivers from vehicles.

Original source can be found here.