The fight for vehicles to keep AM radio in manufacturing goes on. There’s a strong effort to get this passed before the end of the year, and the reason behind the push is clear.

Included in the fight for AM radio are former and current NYPD and NYFD. They want the Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, to make sure there is legislation that states automakers must produce cars with AM radios. US Senator Ed Markey backed the AM for Every Vehicle Act by stating it’s, “an essential tool in emergencies, a crucial part of our diverse media ecosystem, and an irreplaceable source for news, weather, sports, and entertainment for tens of millions of listeners.”

Recently, major auto manufacturers started phasing out AM radios in the electric cars due to the concern of interference in the electric motors. The reason behind the significant shove to get this piece of legislation approved by the end of the year is due to our new President who will take office in the next few months. Elon Musk has started to play an integral role within President Trump’s circle. Musk, of course, is the owner of Tesla. Tesla is one of the companies who phased out AM radio. The public’s concern is Musk will convince Trump vehicles do not need AM radio anymore.

While talk radio has been supporting the new bill in order not to lose listeners, the major worry is the emergency system. AM radio has been an essential part of relaying information during major events, such as the recent earthquake off the coast of California.

According to politico.com, OpenSecrets found the company “spent nearly $1.7 million on lobbying since the start of 2023. It’s the most mentioned piece of legislation in its lobbying disclosures over the past two years. “

AM radio was initially brought about in 1920 as a “revolutionary technology that could bring a nation together in time and space.” KDKA in Pittsburgh was the first to air in November of 1920. For over 100 years AM radio has been instrumental in how we get emergency information as well as entertainment. We’ll have to wait and see what happens with the legislation.

Photo courtesy of FreePik