In an early victory for the AM For Every Vehicle Act, Ford Motor Company has reversed its decision to remove AM radio from its new vehicles. CEO Jim Farley announced on social media that AM radio will be included in all gasoline and electric 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, and a software update will be offered to restore AM capability in Ford’s electric vehicles sold without it.
In the interim, Farley said, “Customers can currently listen to AM radio content in a variety of ways in our vehicles – including via streaming – and we will continue to innovate to deliver even better in-vehicle entertainment and emergency notification options in the future. Thanks to our product development and manufacturing teams for their quick response to make this change for our customers.”
Ford has been engaged in discussions with policy leaders about the loss of emergency alerts transmitted on AM, in relation to the bipartisan AM For Every Vehicle Act, which would mandate the inclusion of AM radio in new vehicles at no additional cost.
Concern over AM’s removal has been growing since major automakers like Ford, BMW, and Tesla have been phasing out access. When Ford initially removed AM, they cited low customer usage, electrical interference concerns, and cost considerations.
Senator Ed Markey, one of the co-sponsors of the AM For Every Vehicle Act, said, “I applaud Ford for tuning into the concerns of millions of listeners, thousands of broadcasters, and countless emergency management officials who have called for automakers to keep AM radio in their vehicles. AM radio is more than just an essential safety feature—it’s a free, accessible source for anyone to listen to music, news, sports, and entertainment.”
“Innovation in the automotive industry should mean more features, not fewer, for consumers. Ford’s reversal reflects an overdue realization about the importance of AM radio, but too many automakers are still going the wrong direction. Congress must pass my AM for Every Vehicle Act to maintain access to AM radio for years to come.”
Ford only mentioned the United States, leaving remaining cause for concern for Canadian broadcasters who also rely on AM.
The National Association of Broadcasters also commended Ford Motor Company for its decision to include AM radio in its future vehicles in the United States. NAB President Curtis LeGeyt said, “NAB commends Ford for committing to keep AM radio in their vehicles, which will keep Americans safe and informed, particularly in times of emergency.”
“In light of Ford’s announcement, NAB urges other automakers who have removed AM radio from their vehicles to follow Ford’s lead and restore this technology in the interest of listeners and public safety.”
I drive a 2016 Ford Focus that has an excellent AM section in its radio. I listen to AM chiefly for news and my “go to” station is KYW in Philadelphia. KYW solely promotes its outlet on 103.9 FM, a little Class A licensed to Jenkintown, PA. While driving north on the Pennsylvania Turnpike extension, that FM station starts “picket fencing” around Lansdale and is unlistenable by the time I reach Quakertown. But I can listen to the 50 kW AM outlet on 1060 as far north as Scranton. I live not far from Scranton and keep a radio button set to 1060.
Thanks, Ford, for keeping your car radios intact. Not all of us want to pay for “apps” and those apps are useless in the rural areas where wireless internet and cellphone service are unavailable.
Well, Surprise surprise !!! Ford discovered that millions of F-150 and 250s are owned by independently minded self-starters engaged in every profession that requires an entrepreneurial brain and a strong back, and most of them are rightfully pissed off about something out of their control and they listen to AM talk radio to vent their spleens. Musk should take heed and not make the same mistake as Ford when he rolls out his Cyber truck.
Fred, I thoroughly appreciate your sentiments!
Thank you Dan