The Push to Preserve AM Radio in Cars

An in-car display screen offers various radio options, including AM radio, as pictured on March 11, 2024, in Bow, N.H. Lawmakers are nearing the votes needed for federal legislation that mandates AM radios in all new vehicles. Despite a decline in AM radio’s popularity due to alternatives like satellite radio and podcasts, a bipartisan group of lawmakers insists on its importance for public safety, especially in rural areas.

Free speech remains central in federal policy. Recently, President Trump addressed biases in news curation and enforced equal-time rules to amplify all voices. Another significant free speech issue with less attention is the preservation of AM radio in American vehicles. President Trump emphasized its importance, promising action to prevent its removal from cars.

Millions rely on AM radio for news, opinions, and other unique viewpoints. Shows like mine, in partnership with Buck Sexton, attract large weekly audiences on AM stations nationwide. AM radio’s relevance extends beyond political discourse. Farmers, civil rights groups, and churches use AM for weather updates, crop prices, news, and religious services. Crucially, emergency professionals highlight AM radio’s reliability during extreme weather when other communication methods fail.

However, some car manufacturers are removing AM radios, replacing them with closed infotainment systems. These systems, while not inherently harmful, track extensive data and generate revenue from this information. A WIRED report analyzed top-selling cars and found they could generate up to 25 gigabytes of data per hour, which equals a typical monthly mobile data plan for many people. Few consumers are aware of this extensive data collection.

Without intervention, automakers, heavily funded by taxpayer subsidies, may eliminate AM radios, pushing consumers to monitored platforms. This shift threatens free speech, privacy, and public safety. In response, a coalition of 11 attorneys general, led by then-Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, argued for AM radio’s preservation. Moody described AM radio as crucial during crises, given its extensive reach and functionality during outages.

Supported by Senators Ted Cruz and Ed Markey, the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act aims to ensure AM radios remain in new vehicles. The legislation has widespread House and Senate support and awaits congressional leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote.

Clay Travis, co-host of “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” advocates for this cause. He brings his perspective as a writer, lawyer, and media analyst into the discussion. Ensuring AM radio in cars remains a key public safety and free speech issue.