By: Asya McDonald
In an era dominated by advanced digital technologies and streaming services, the future of AM radio seems increasingly uncertain. With the rise of FM radio, satellite radio, and internet streaming, the relevance and popularity of AM radio have significantly diminished.
Now, there is a growing concern that AM radio may be eliminated from cars altogether, further marginalizing this traditional medium.
AM broadcasting station WMDB in central Illinois has been a cornerstone in their community for over a hundred years. CBS News reports that the station worries that if AM radio is taken out of vehicles it will be disastrous for their business and listeners who depend on them.
Batten recalled a momentous tornado that ripped through Washington County Illinois and how his station’s response was to immediately get on the air. They reported the incident non-stop for days to ensure everyone in their community was updated as soon as the news got in.
“There’s no coincidence that the first two letters in America are A-M,” said Greg Batten of the Greg and Dan Show on WMDB.
AM radio stations across the country face similar issues. Matt Santini in Cartersville, Georgia reacted similarly by giving listeners in his community updates during the three tornados they have experienced in the last five years.
In March of 2008, Santini recalled one moment of him getting on air to warn members of the community about a tornado and how that broadcast saved lives.
“We had 12 people, that were out on the roads in the storm, that came to the station and we provided shelter for them,” said Santini.
Earlier this month there was a hearing in Washington D.C. about Senate bill S.1669 with both AM radio supporters and opposers showing up to let their voices be heard.
S.1669, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, is a bipartisan call to action for the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations as standard equipment in motor vehicles manufactured, imported, and shipped interstate in the United States.
Jerry Chapman, President of Woof Boom Radio, who was one of the main people answering questions in the hearing, conveyed the simplest message to auto manufacturers to push home the urgency of getting alerts to all Americans in the most effective way possible.
“We make sure that we can connect with people at all times who want to receive us and we know that we do the best when we are received over the years through channels that are easiest for people to receive it,” said Mr. Chapman.
Buddy Carter (GA-1) is the vice chairman of the committee and he voiced concerns for Georgians who live in the Savannah and the coastal area, which has been impacted heavily over the past few years by severe weather, like hurricanes.
“You know natural disasters like hurricanes are traumatic and oftentimes there are no other means of getting alerts other than the AM radio,” said Carter.
Homeland Security Branch Commander for New Jersey State Police Lt. Colonel Christopher DeMaise spoke during the hearing firmly advocating the need for an AM broadcast.
“We require redundancy to make sure that we can communicate with all of the community and the AM radio platform certainly has such a broad reach,” said DeMaise.
Ford, succumbing to the wishes of their consumers, have reversed their decision to take AM radio out of their newer EV models. Supporters of the bill hope that Ford taking the lead will help other auto manufacturers like BMW, Tesla, Volkswagen and Mazda come to the same conclusion.
The GAB was up in Washington D.C. last month continuing the fight for AM radio. You can learn more about those efforts here.
