Federal lawmakers Thursday, including three of New Jersey’s representatives, introduced a bipartisan bill requiring automakers to keep AM radio in their vehicles. The “AM for Every Vehicle Act” calls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to hold manufacturers accountable.
Supporters of saving AM radio cite public safety concerns and note AM radio’s historic role in getting information to the public during emergencies and natural disasters. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-5th) Thursday called it the “backbone of the country,” because it can transmit longer distances than FM radio.
Makers of electric vehicles have cited possible electromagnetic interference with the new car’s powertrain. Other automakers have dropped AM citing it as an obsolete technology.
