As long as I’ve worked in the radio industry, I’ve always been a believer that you should plan ahead. The goal isn’t to claim that you’re a truth teller or that you can see the future, but rather to be prepared any of the “what if” scenarios. It’s no different in any line of business. The best CEOs and executives always find ways to prepare for any possibility involving their companies.
It’s been almost two months since the House of Representatives passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The bill is now one step closer to becoming law, which would require all new cars to include AM radio as a standard feature. But with consumers continuing to shift toward digital means of consumption, including radio, is it time to take another step in this fight? You know, plan ahead?
The midterms are now over, and Congress is set to return to session. Whether this bill will make it through the Senate and receive the President’s signature before the new Senate is sworn in remains unknown. It could happen. It also may not.
Unfortunately, time continues to be the enemy of radio in the car. Notice I didn’t say AM radio. I meant radio in general.
Does radio still hold a commanding lead over other audio platforms in reaching U.S. adults? Yes, it does. In fact, if you were to read the research stating that AM/FM radio captures 81% of advertising-supported audio listening time in cars, you’d probably ask yourself why we need a bill to save AM radio in the first place.
That’s why planning ahead matters.
They Just Did It
Before the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act was introduced, automakers were already in the process of eliminating the band from their vehicles. BMW, Tesla, Mazda and Volkswagen were among several manufacturers that had removed AM radio from certain electric vehicles. They didn’t ask anyone’s permission. They just did it.
Ford took a different route in 2023. The company announced it would remove AM radio from all its vehicles beginning with the 2024 model year before reversing that decision in May 2023 amid growing public and congressional pressure.
The point is that automakers simply started doing it. At first, there wasn’t enough noise being made for people to take notice. Then, consumers began recognizing what content was available on the AM band. That was followed by backlash from lawmakers and others who argued that AM radio remains vital. Why? Because it’s accessible, free and important for public safety.
All those claims are 100% correct. But that didn’t stop automakers from making the decision in the first place. So, what’s to stop them from repeating the same action with FM?
That’s why the industry must take this fight a step further and push for similar protections for FM radio. Whether that means expanding the existing legislation or pursuing a separate measure, the objective should be the same. Maybe it’s time to introduce a Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
Keep in mind that it’s been more than three years since the AM radio legislation was first introduced. Today, it still hasn’t received final approval. Three years of effort, money and campaigning, yet the fight remains unfinished. AM radio still reaches 82 million Americans each month, but how many more does FM reach? Why isn’t there as much focus on protecting the FM band?
FM Just As Vital
The simple fact is that radio consumption continues to evolve. To listen to your favorite local radio station, you now have more options than ever before. But many of those options increasingly live on your phone and require an internet connection and a way to connect to your vehicle’s audio system. Traditional AM and FM radio does not offer the same on-demand convenience, but they provide something equally valuable: immediate access to free, local programming without relying on a cellular connection or data plan.
Is FM radio just as important as AM radio when it comes to accessibility, affordability and public safety? Of course. But will the industry simply sit back and wait for automakers to remove FM radio from vehicles the same way they did with AM?
Broadcasting relies on the public airwaves, both AM and FM. Radio serves as a steward of the public trust, continuing to provide impactful, hyperlocal programming and engagement. It offers free entertainment, information and opportunities to bring communities together while keeping access open to everyone.
It may take several more weeks, months or even years before AM radio is officially “saved” by Congress. But as an industry, let’s not sit on our hands. Instead, be proactive and plan ahead.
Never Assume
The radio industry cannot afford to make the same mistake twice. It took an aggressive campaign, public backlash and congressional intervention to get AM radio’s place in automobiles recognized as something worth protecting. FM radio shouldn’t have to wait for automakers to make the same decision before the industry takes action.
Don’t assume that because FM remains the dominant broadcast band, it’s somehow immune to the same fate. Also, you cannot just simply assume if AM is saved that FM gets the full benefit.
The possibility is real, even if automakers haven’t launched a widespread effort to eliminate FM. If the industry was willing to fight this hard to save AM radio, it should be just as aggressive about protecting FM too. Don’t wait for another automaker to pull the plug before deciding it’s worth fighting for.
By then, the industry may find itself three years into another battle, wondering why it didn’t plan ahead. Time is the enemy, and radio doesn’t have another three years to waste. So, plan ahead!
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
