AM radio may be nostalgia for some, but it’s a necessity for others. AM stations may be more likely to carry agricultural-based programming, the latest market reports, and frequent news and weather updates.
But with the emergence of satellite radio, podcasts, and other streaming services for drivers, the use of AM radio frequencies is not what it once was.
RELATED: RadioActiveMedia provides this background on AM radio, its history, and FM radio station use. Find that here.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from the rural community of Red Oak, has joined to support legislation in Congress that would require that automakers continue to provide radios with AM receiving capabilities at no additional charge in new vehicles.
“AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,” is the name of the legislation.
“Iowans rely on our AM radio stations to receive updates on weather, business, government, and commodity prices, which is why it is so important that we continue this important avenue of communication,” said Ernst in a statement.
“I’m working to ensure folks across our state can stay in the loop through this resource that delivers timely information.”
Ernst has support from her fellow Iowa senator, Chuck Grassley, who also comes from a rural part of the state (New Hartford).
“AM radio is the backbone of our emergency alert system, especially for tens of millions of Americans in rural areas. It’s been a part of our daily commutes and road trips for decades. Iowans rely on AM radio to catch up on local news, weather and commodity and livestock markets, as well as to hear competing viewpoints about the important issues of the day,” Grassley said in a statement.
Ernst and Grassley have bipartisan support for the proposal from senators across the country:
Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wy.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.).
Tesla, Volkswagen, and BMW are among the manufacturers that do not include AM radio stations in all their vehicles.
The move from automakers to discontinue AM options in their vehicles grew from potential incompatibility with electric vehicles. The electrical systems of the vehicles and the AM radio waves don’t always operate smoothly together and can distort the signal.
RELATED: Car and Driver reported on the previous efforts to require AM radio stations in new vehicles and the opposition to the mandate. Read that here.
