Congresul urmărește să adopte o legislație care menține radioul AM în toate mașinile

On June 6, The U.S. House Communications and Technology Subcommittee will hold hearings on proposed legislation that would require all new automobiles to come equipped with AM radio. The hearing entitled, “Listen Here: Why Americans Value AM Radio”, comes in the aftermath of eight automobile makers have either dropped, or intend to drop, AM radio in certain car models. These car makers cite with electric vehicles (EV), the motors interfere with AM radio, causing faded signals and an irritating buzzing sound. The hearing is the latest example of Congressional concerns as carmakers remove AM radio in some, if not all, of their newer models.

In May, Congress introduced laws designed to protect the presence of AM radio in cars. In a rare achievement, “The AM for Every Vehicle Act”, has bi-partisan support. It was introduced in the Senate by Ed Markey (D-MA) with co-sponsor Ted Cruz (R-TX). The proposed bill would require carmakers to keep AM radio in cars. The bill has the support of National Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Farm Broadcasting and the chairperson of the FCC, Jessica Rosenworcel. The sponsors of the proposed bill cite the role of AM radio has in emergencies especially in rural areas.

In the House of Representatives, Cathy McMorris (R-WA), Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee said, “Communities across the country rely on AM radio services for local news, weather reports, and other critical information. It is also a key tool for our nation’s emergency communications infrastructure, especially when other communication services are not available. I look forward to this timely discussion on the many benefits of AM radio as a source of information and the importance of ensuring it continues to be available in new vehicle models.”

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), said, “It’s alarming that some auto manufacturers are considering opting out of installing AM radios in new cars. AM radio plays an essential role in our communities, especially during public emergencies when other alert systems that rely on the electric grid and cellphone networks may not work. I’m looking forward to the Energy and Commerce Committee holding a hearing on this important matter. Corporate penny pinching is not a justification to undermine one of our nation’s most reliable public emergency communication networks, and requiring consumers to pay more money for a subscription service to receive AM radio is not an acceptable alternative.”

Following the announcement of the proposed Congressional law, Ford Motor
F
, after indicating that AM radio would be removed in most of their U.S. car models, stated in the future all car models will come with AM radio. In a social media post, Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley, wrote, “We’ve decided to include it on all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles. For any owners of Ford’s EVs without AM broadcast capability, we’ll offer a software update.”

In a written response, Senator Markey said, “Innovation in the automotive industry should mean more features, not fewer, for consumers. Ford’s reversal reflects an overdue realization about the importance of AM radio, but too many automakers are still going the wrong direction.” Markey added, Congress should still pass the legislation.

Last December, Senator Markey had sent a letter to twenty prominent automakers, inquiring about their intention of including AM radio in their cars. In response, eight said they had eliminated AM radio in EV cars. On May 15, over 100 Congressional members from both parties, followed up with detailed letters on the future plans of the car makers. The letters were sent to both the car makers that had previously said they removed AM radio in some vehicles, or they had not responded to the December letter.

Despite being over 100 years old, AM radio remains a listening source. According to Nielsen
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Audio, in its Fall 2022 survey, AM radio had 82.3 million monthly listeners, or about one in three AM/FM radio listeners. A Westwood One analysis found the news/talk is the most popular format, with 46.9 million monthly listeners. The Nielsen study also found the share of AM listening varies by metro. Buffalo-Niagara is tops with 56% of their monthly audience listening to AM radio. In Chicago, 48% of monthly listeners tune into AM and Milwaukee ranks third. Overall, Nielsen reports there are 141 radio metros in which AM radio accounts for a minimum of 20% of total broadcast radio listening.

An Infinite Dial survey, from Edison Research, released earlier this year, noted that AM/FM radio remains the most popular audio source in cars; 53% of persons age 12+ listen to online audio via a cell phone. Edison Research notes the percentage has been growing.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovations, a trade association and lobby group representing cars and light trucks, has argued a law mandating AM radio is not needed. In a letter to Congressional members, the association cited the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as having various alternative methods to transit safety warnings such as, FM radio, web and satellite radio and cellular networks. In a letter to Congress, the group pointed out 97% of Americans own a cellphone and receive emergency alerts even when the cell network is unable to send calls and data.