AM Radio’s Future in New Vehicles: A Legislative Tug-of-War
Despite its age, AM radio technology remains a key player in delivering news, safety alerts, and entertainment to Arizona’s diverse communities. With this backdrop, a new legislative effort is underway to ensure AM radio’s continued presence in future vehicles, sparking a nationwide debate.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have recently pushed forward the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025,” mandating that new passenger vehicles must include AM radio. This bill, which passed with strong support, now awaits Senate consideration. Previous attempts to pass similar legislation since 2023 have encountered hurdles in Congress.
In recent years, automobile manufacturers such as BMW, Mazda, Tesla, and Volkswagen have been phasing out AM radios in their electric vehicle models. The interference caused by electric vehicle technology to AM radio waves has led some manufacturers to either seek engineering solutions or remove AM receivers altogether.
Gary Shapiro, executive chair of the Consumer Technology Association, voiced opposition to the bill, describing it as an unnecessary imposition given the wide availability of alternative communication technologies. “America is about choice, and given how few people actually listen to AM radio, it seems wasteful and harmful to electric vehicles to require an AM radio in every car,” Shapiro remarked in a statement.
John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, also contested the mandate. Speaking before a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee in April 2024, Bozzella emphasized the variety of factors that automakers consider in vehicle design, which are informed by thorough research and consumer preferences.
Proponents of the bill argue that AM radio is indispensable for public safety. Don Brown, owner of AM/FM stations in Nevada and Arizona, expressed concern that without regulatory measures, car manufacturers might eliminate free radio options entirely in favor of subscription services. Brown highlighted the critical role of AM radio for emergency alerts, especially in remote areas.
In 2023, former leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent a letter to the then-Secretary of Transportation, urging continued support for AM radio in vehicles due to its extensive reach and reliability during disasters.
Laura Madrid, who operates a Phoenix-based AM/FM station, stressed the importance of AM radio in providing local news and connecting communities with resources. Her station has been a trusted source of information since 2005, covering events from policy changes to economic crises.
For Native American communities, AM radio serves as a vital communication tool. Loris Taylor, president of Native Public Media, highlighted its necessity for tribal communities where cellular and electrical services are often unreliable. AM radio’s expansive reach ensures continuity of information in these areas.
Justin C. Ahasteen, representing the Navajo Nation, testified about the critical role of AM radio in covering the vast expanse of the reservation, providing news and information in the Navajo language to remote communities.
As the legislative process continues, the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” includes provisions for the Government Accountability Office to study emergency alert dissemination. The mandate would expire ten years after its implementation, and vehicles lacking AM radios prior to the mandate would require clear consumer labeling and no additional charges for AM access.
With the bill’s journey ahead in the Senate, stakeholders from various sectors will continue to weigh in on AM radio’s place in the future of automotive technology.
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