Ford to Keep AM Radio in New Vehicles

by Colter Brown

Ford CEO Jim Farley announced on Twitter Tuesday that the company would include AM radio as part of all newly manufactured vehicles in 2024. Farley says, “After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system, we’ve decided to include it on all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.”

Any owners of a Ford electric vehicle without AM broadcast capability will be offered the capability through a software update, according to the company. The reversal follows action by lawmakers who introduced the AM for Every Vehicle Act last week, and opposition by broadcast associations.

The National Association of Broadcasters, in a statement responded, “NAB commends Ford for committing to keep AM radio in their vehicles, which will keep Americans safe and informed, particularly in times of emergency. With tens of millions of listeners, AM radio continues to serve as a vital lifeline to the public and a critical source of community news and exchange of diverse ideas.

“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.

“NAB thanks the numerous lawmakers who are leading the charge to keep AM radio in automobiles. Their bipartisan voices are helping to shine a light on the need to keep this critical service. Broadcasters will continue to support this major legislation to ensure consumer access to AM radio in all vehicles.”

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and co-author of the AM for Every Vehicle Act said, “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.”

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NAB

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