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3 clusters · 16 sources · 18 days · First seen · Last updated

US AM radio vehicle mandate legislation

Overview

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979) via a voice vote. The legislation seeks to protect AM radio access in vehicles, which broadcasters argue is essential for providing “lifesaving emergency information and news to the public.”

If the bill passes the Senate and is signed into law, the Department of Transportation would be responsible for creating rules to mandate standard AM radio reception in all new vehicles sold in the United States. Supporters, including the National Association of Broadcasters and AARP, emphasize that AM radio is a vital component of the Emergency Broadcast System, particularly in rural areas or during natural disasters when cellular and internet services may be unavailable.

The mandate faces opposition from some automakers who cite costs and potential electrical interference in electric vehicles (EVs). While companies such as Tesla, BMW, Mazda, and Volkswagen have removed AM radio from certain EV models, Ford reversed a previous decision to remove the feature following the introduction of this legislation.

The bill is currently advancing through Congress and awaiting Senate action, where a companion measure has already received support. The legislation specifically seeks to require automakers to include AM radio in all new vehicles at no additional cost to consumers. While manufacturers like Rivian and Volvo have also been noted for removing or limiting the technology due to interference from electric power systems, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation has opposed the mandate, arguing that “analog AM radio is not essential to motor vehicle safety.”

Entities

National Association of Broadcasters · U.S. House of Representatives · AARP · Frank Pallone · Gus Bilirakis

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act advances in U.S. Congress

    The bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is moving toward the Senate, aiming to mandate AM radio in new cars to ensure emergency access despite opposition from some automakers.

  2. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    U.S. House passes bill to mandate AM radio in all new vehicles

    The U.S. House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would mandate AM radio in all new cars to ensure reliable access to emergency broadcasts.

  3. [POLITICS] 8 sources
    US House passes AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

    The US House has passed the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, sending the legislation to the Senate to ensure AM radio access remains available in vehicles for emergency information.

Sources

autoevolution.com · autofreak.com · caranddriver.com · chicago.suntimes.com · cnmo.com · espiganoticias.net · it-boltwise.de · ithome.com · portalhortolandia.com.br · radioink.com · rbr.com · roadandtrack.com · science.slashdot.org · techcrunch.com · thedrive.com · thehypemagazine.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history