GoKawiilCongress advances bill requiring AM radio in all new vehicles
Lawmakers are pushing legislation that would mandate automakers include AM radio receivers in every new car sold, countering a trend of manufacturers removing the feature. Automakers have cited rising costs and technical issues, particularly interference from electric vehicle components, as reasons for dropping AM radio from new models. Supporters of the bill argue the technology remains critical for public safety and emergency broadcasts.
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The dispute highlights tension between legacy infrastructure and modern vehicle engineering, as automakers increasingly prioritize digital and streaming audio over older broadcast formats. If passed, the law could force manufacturers to redesign electrical systems to reduce interference, adding cost and complexity to EV production. The outcome may also set a precedent for how far Congress can go in mandating specific technologies within consumer vehicles for public-interest reasons.
- Congress is considering legislation to require AM radio in all new vehicles.
- Automakers say removing AM radio helps cut costs and avoid EV interference issues.
- Lawmakers argue AM radio is vital for emergency alerts and public safety communication.
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Published there as: “Congress wants to keep AM radio in every new car”
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