Republican Kansas Rep. Jake LaTurner and Republican Missouri Rep. Mark Alford introduced legislation Monday that expresses support for the continued inclusion of AM radios in newly manufactured cars.
The Daily Caller first obtained a copy of the legislation, which specifically focuses on automakers such as BMW, Volkswagen, Mazda and Tesla. These automakers have reportedly eliminated AM radios from their new electric vehicles due to sound interference caused by electric engines. Ford said it would not be installing AM radios in any of its 2024 models; however, the manufacturer reversed that decision after backlash.
The bill also highlights the importance of AM radio for freedom of expression and ideas, and recognizes the reliability of AM radio when it comes to conveying crucial safety and agriculture information to Americans in rural communities, where many do not have access to broadband or cellular networks.
82 million Americans listen to AM radio each month. In addition to conservative talk shows, AM radio plays a crucial role in how Americans in rural communities receive news, weather and safety emergency coverage, as well as agricultural information. (RELATED: Ford Reverses Plan To Drop AM Radio Stations From New Vehicles After Backlash)
“Millions of Americans across the country rely on AM radio for crucial information or as an alternative to mainstream media outlets,” LaTurner told the Caller before introducing the bill. “Not only is AM radio vital to the freedom of expression and ideas, but it also provides weather updates, crop reports, and emergency alerts to rural communities across America that can’t access cellular or broadband networks. I’m proud to introduce legislation to help protect this vital communications tool and send a strong message that AM radio is far from obsolete.”
READ THE LEGISLATION HERE:
(DAILY CALLER OBTAINED) — … by Henry Rodgers
“AM radio is the lifeblood of information for our farmers and ranchers. Without this tool, they run the risk of missing crucial updates on things such as weather patterns, market shifts, local news, and emergency information. This isn’t a dying medium; it’s a vibrant network that connects diverse communities across our nation,” Alford told the Caller. “As members of Congress, it is our duty to protect this resource at all costs. This resolution is a vital first step in doing just that.” (RELATED: ‘A Real Loss’: Biden’s EV Push Could Kill AM Radio Stations, Crush Conservative Talk Shows)
In the Senate, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation to mandate that car manufacturers will continue to include AM radios in their newer models without charging more money.