AM radio just got a rare bipartisan boost for new cars
Congress may force automakers to keep AM radio in new vehicles. The argument is not nostalgia. It is emergency alerts, long-distance coverage, and the awkward fact that software-defined cars still need boring old resilience.
Original Geekish context based on the sources linked below.
The short version
The U.S. House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on September 16, according to TechCrunch. The bill would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require AM radio as standard equipment in new passenger vehicles at no additional cost.
Why automakers care
Some automakers have moved away from AM receivers as cars become more software-defined and streaming-heavy. EV makers have also argued that electromagnetic interference from electric motors can hurt AM signal quality.
Why supporters care
Supporters say AM radio remains useful during emergencies because signals can travel long distances. TechCrunch notes support from lawmakers in both parties, broadcast groups, emergency responder organizations, and former FEMA administrators.
Geekish take
The future of the car is full of app stores, subscriptions, and cloud features. This bill is a reminder that disaster communication is not supposed to be elegant. It is supposed to work when everything else is flaky.
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