Pallone Announces Introduction of New Legislation to Preserve AM Radio in Cars

Sayreville, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced the introduction of new legislation to preserve AM radio in cars. The bill would require car manufacturers to install devices capable of receiving AM radio signals in all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States at no additional cost to consumers. Pallone is the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over communications, technology policy, and consumer protection issues, including automobile safety. The Committee is expected to vote on Pallone’s bill later this week.

“AM Radio stations play a critical role in our nation’s communications network, which is why I remain concerned that some automakers plan to phase out AM radio from their electric vehicle models. When Superstorm Sandy pummeled New Jersey over ten years ago, some of my constituents went days without power and telephone and internet connections. In the aftermath of the storm, they relied on broadcast AM radio stations – often in their vehicles – to get up-to-the-minute information like where to get water, gas, and groceries,” Pallone said.

Last year, Ford announced it would remove AM radio from 2024 Ford and Lincoln models. Ford has since reversed this decision and is implementing software updates to provide access to AM radios in 2023 models currently lacking it. However, some manufacturers such as Tesla, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Rivian, Volkswagen, and others, have opted to move forward with plans to remove AM access from some vehicle models potentially depriving their customers of local and national AM radio news and information, as well as emergency alerts in disaster situations.

“As the next generation of cars are developed, it’s critical that AM radio access remains standard equipment offered at no additional cost, and that’s exactly what my legislation does,” Pallone continued.  “As the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues on this new bill to preserve Americans’ access to this vital source of information.”

“AM Radio is critical to keeping our citizens informed during a crisis.  As an essential component of Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), AM radio can cover great distances and connect with our citizens at home or on the road. If this resource is not available in motor vehicles, public safety officials will lose a crucial tool that can keep people updated on the status of an event and most importantly keep them out of harm’s way,” said Lt. Colonel Christopher DeMaise, Homeland Security Branch Commander, New Jersey State Police.

“New Jersey’s broadcasters, particularly our 39 AM radio stations, commend Congressman Pallone for recognizing the critical impact our stations have in educating and informing New Jerseyans during an emergency,” said Jordan Walton, Executive Director, New Jersey Broadcasters Association. “This legislation will ensure that the backbone of the nation’s National Public Warning System, AM radio, can continue to be relied upon when our state and country need it most.”

During Superstorm Sandy and the aftermath, radio listenership in Monmouth County saw a 247 percent increase and Middlesex, Somerset, and Union Counties saw a 195 percent increase as New Jerseyans turned to AM radio for information. In April, Pallone held a hearing in his Energy and Commerce Committee on the importance of preserving Americans’ access to AM radio.