News anchor Steve Bertrand reports the news live on air in the WGN Radio newsroom on June 6, 2023. Congress is weighing legislation to force automakers to keep AM radio in cars. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
When Ford announced it would stop installing AM radios in its vehicles this spring, it generated so much static among station owners, listeners and legislators that the automaker quickly reversed course.
But with Tesla and a growing number of EV manufacturers banishing the original car radio from their high-tech digital dashboards and into the audio graveyard occupied by eight-track players and CD changers, a congressional subcommittee Tuesday began debating the merits of proposed legislation to make AM receivers standard equipment in all new vehicles.
In Chicago, where AM stations including WGN, WBBM, WLS and WSCR still command nearly half of radio listenership, there may be a lot riding on the outcome.
“It’s an issue for the listeners, because you should be able to choose how you want to get your content,” said Mary Sandberg Boyle, a veteran radio executive who became the first female general manager at WGN Radio in 2019. “I don’t want listeners cut off.”
Removing AM radios from cars could dramatically reduce the audience, with 74% of AM listening happening in the car, a Nielsen spokesperson said Tuesday. While the percentage of radio listenership in the car declined during the pandemic, it has returned to pre-pandemic levels, Nielsen said.
Automakers cite audio interference with electric motors and the ability to stream stations as justification for phasing out AM radios, but the communications and technology subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee heard nearly three hours of testimony as to why AM should be saved.
More here.
In an EV, you are driving around in a very powerful electro-magnet……which, of course interferes with the AM radio signal.