The Battle for the Dashboard: Why AM Radio is Facing Extinction
For nearly a century, the dashboard radio has been the trusted co-pilot for millions of drivers across the nation. From late-night talk shows and live local sports to critical traffic updates, AM radio has long been a staple of the American driving experience. However, a silent shift is underway in the automotive industry. Several major automakers have begun removing AM radios from their newest models, particularly electric vehicles (EVs).
The decision to phase out AM radio has sparked a fierce national debate, bringing automakers, regulators, and consumer advocates head-to-head. At the center of this controversy is the bipartisan "AM for Every Vehicle Act," a bill gaining significant traction in Congress. Recently, prominent columnist Joe Crawford added his influential voice to the movement, penning a compelling argument in favor of preserving AM radio in all modern automobiles.
Why Automakers Want to Drop AM Radio
To understand why a bill is necessary, it is important to look at why car manufacturers are eager to ditch the technology in the first place. The shift is primarily driven by technological challenges associated with modern electric vehicle powertrains.
Electric motors and power electronics generate high levels of electromagnetic interference. This interference disrupts AM broadcast signals, causing a harsh buzzing or static noise through the vehicle’s speakers. While engineers can shield cables and install signal processors to mitigate this noise, automakers argue that doing so adds unnecessary weight, complexity, and manufacturing costs.
Additionally, car brands are eager to push subscription-based digital infotainment systems, satellite radio, and streaming apps. By streamlining the dashboard and relying on internet-connected media, manufacturers see an opportunity to modernize the cabin while cutting hardware overhead.
Joe Crawford’s Support: Why the Airwaves Still Matter
Columnist Joe Crawford’s recent commentary has energized supporters of the legislative push. Crawford highlights a critical reality that many urban-focused auto executives overlook: AM radio is not just about entertainment; it is a vital public safety infrastructure.
Crawford points out that during severe weather events, natural disasters, or grid failures, cellular towers and fiber-optic internet networks are often the first systems to collapse. When 5G signals fade and smartphone batteries die, high-power AM radio stations remain operational. Thanks to lower frequencies and longer wavelengths, AM signals travel vast distances, penetrating rural valleys and remote highways where digital connectivity is nonexistent.
Crawford’s argument reinforces what former directors of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been saying for months: removing AM radio from vehicles severely compromises national emergency communication channels.
Inside the "AM for Every Vehicle Act"
The growing outcry from public safety officials and commentators like Crawford has fueled momentum for the AM for Every Vehicle Act. The federal bill aims to protect drivers by establishing clear safety standards for automotive manufacturers.
Key elements of the proposed legislation include:
- Mandatory AM Capability: Requiring automakers to include AM broadcast radio in all new vehicles sold in the United States as a standard feature, without charging extra fees.
- Clear Consumer Labeling: Mandating that if a manufacturer sells a vehicle without AM radio during the transition period, it must explicitly disclose this limitation to buyers on the window sticker.
- Safety Impact Study: Directing government agencies to study whether digital broadcast alternatives can truly match the coverage reach and reliability of traditional AM frequencies during emergency situations.
4 Reasons AM Radio Remains Essential for Drivers Today
While tech enthusiasts may view AM radio as outdated technology, it continues to offer distinct advantages that modern streaming services cannot duplicate:
- Unmatched Emergency Preparedness: AM radio forms the backbone of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Primary Entry Point system, ensuring public safety officials can reach citizens instantly during national crises.
- Universal Rural Reach: Cellular coverage dead zones still cover vast portions of North America. AM radio fills these gaps, providing rural drivers with access to localized weather reports, farm updates, and regional news.
- Free and Accessible Content: Unlike streaming apps and satellite radio, AM broadcasts are completely free to access and consume zero mobile data.
- Community and Hyper-Local Media: AM stations frequently host independent broadcasters, local high school sports programs, and diverse foreign-language programming that mainstream FM and digital platforms ignore.
What Lies Ahead for the Automotive Industry?
The pushback against removing AM radio has already forced some automakers to reconsider their positions. Ford, for instance, reversed its decision to remove AM radio from its 2024 model lineup after widespread public and congressional feedback. However, legislative action remains essential to ensure all manufacturers follow suit.
As Joe Crawford and other advocates rightly argue, innovation should not come at the expense of public safety and driver choice. Modern vehicle dashboards certainly have room for high-tech touchscreens, cloud streaming, and advanced driver assistance systems. But alongside those digital marvels, the humble, ultra-reliable AM tuner still deserves a permanent home on the road.