March 29, 2024
Is AM radio on life support?
SOUTHLAND – (INT) - While some believe that AM radio is going the way of the Edsel, a decision by Ford could prevent some broadcasters from signing off.

Ford has reversed itself and decided to keep the AM band on their radio receivers in all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Supporters of AM radio pointed out that those radio stations are a vital source for information through the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Meantime, a bipartisan coalition in Congress is pushing the AM for Every Vehicle Act – legislation that would require federal regulators to mandate AM radio in all new vehicles. Some carmakers including BMW, Mazda, Polestar, Rivian, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo, have already removed AM radio from their electric vehicles.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has applauded the bill’s authors and supporters “for recognizing AM radio’s critical role in our nation’s public safety infrastructure.”

The future of AM radio in the Inland Empire’s Metro area is in doubt. Four AM stations have permanently signed off the past six years because of declining listenership. They were licensed to Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley and Ontario.

Story Date: May 30, 2023
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