In Bow, N.H., a vehicle’s display screen shows various radio options, including AM radio, highlighting a pivotal moment as politicians near the votes needed for federal legislation mandating AM radios in every new car. Despite declining popularity, AM broadcast radio is viewed as vital to public safety, especially in rural areas. Lawmakers are pushing to preserve access through car radios.
President Trump has focused on ensuring free speech in federal policy, probing news aggregators’ article curation and enforcing equal-time rules. This includes efforts to maintain AM radio in America’s cars. Trump emphasized its significance in conversation with Hugh Hewitt, noting a planned initiative.
AM radio offers critical news, opinions, and perspectives to millions. It’s used not just for political discourse. Farmers depend on it for weather, crop prices, and alerts. Civil rights groups rely on it for breaking news, and churches broadcast services over AM. Emergency professionals stress its reliability during extreme weather when other communication tools fail.
Yet, automakers are removing AM radio, favoring infotainment systems that track users, collect data, and generate profits. WIRED tested popular cars, finding they can produce up to 25 gigabytes of data per hour, which typically covers a monthly mobile plan. This data collection happens largely without consumer awareness.
As infotainment systems eliminate alternatives, user choice diminishes, impacting free speech, privacy, and safety. In response, a coalition of 11 attorneys general, led by Ashley Moody, advocates protecting AM radio. Moody highlights its importance in crisis communication, with signals remaining functional when other channels fail.
Senators Ted Cruz and Ed Markey introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, a bipartisan effort to ensure AM radio remains in new cars. The bill has significant support in both House and Senate, having passed relevant committees and awaits floor consideration.
Clay Travis, co-host of “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” is noted for his work as a writer, lawyer, radio host, television analyst, and founder of OutKick.