As we head into the second half of 2023, the campaign to save AM radio is only getting stronger. Attorneys general from 16 states have expressed their concern about the decision of several organizations to eliminate AM radios in electric cars. Their letter marks another step in the bipartisan push to protect the AM band.
In a letter addressed to the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) and the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), the Republican attorneys general highlighted the important role AM radio plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of Americans.
The states represented in the letter include Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. They urged the associations to reconsider the decision to remove AM radios from electric vehicles.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody led the letter, and referenced the NAB’s “Depend on AM Radio” campaign that has led to tens of thousands of letters, social media messages, and emails to Congress and automakers. Moody also discussed the February letter of seven former FEMA executives saying that AM is vital to EAS messaging from coast to coast.
AM radio in EVs is a public safety concern because it’s a crucial emergency communication channel during disasters when other systems fail. Automakers have considered removing AM radio from EVs due to electromagnetic interference issues, but FEMA and emergency response organizations rely on this technology. In response, the bipartisan “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” was introduced to ensure AM radio remains in all vehicles, including EVs.
Wow, this AM radio issue with EVs is getting serious! Good to see Attorneys General stepping in. AM is still super important for emergency alerts, gotta keep it around!
AM radio’s role in emergency alerts and rural connectivity has sparked bipartisan support for mandating it in vehicles, despite automakers’ cost and interference concerns
Great to see bipartisan support for AM radio—safety first!
Seems we can’t just remove AM radio from EVs – it’s a public safety issue that can’t be ignored!