Senate Moves to Mandate AM Radio in Attempt to Ensure National Emergency Alert System's Efficacy

Over a quarter of the United States Senate moved to co-sponsor a bill that would preclude auto manufacturers from removing AM radios from their vehicles. The bill, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, is being framed as an important public necessity which allows the government to reach the public in cases of natural disaster or national emergency. The debate regarding the feature arose after several prominent car manufacturers claimed that AM radio frequencies made driving in electric cars less comfortable due to annoying noises. However, the am frequencies are currently an integral part of the national emergency alert system.

Among those in favor from the governmental agencies in favor of the bill was the head of FEMA, who stated that removing AM radio from cars would have a “significant impact” on the emergency alert system. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposes the bill as superfluous, claiming that this type of mandate on certain automotive features was unwarranted, particularly in today’s “competitive environment.” Among private-sector supporters for the bill was the National Association of Broadcasters.

Should the bill become law, the U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to establish a standard for all new motor vehicles made in the U.S. to come equipped with AM radios. The bill is S.1669, currently pending in the U.S. Senate.