BOSTON — Love listening to AM radio while you’re driving? Two senators are leading the charge to keep it that way.
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Wednesday reintroduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
This legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge. Makers of newer vehicles and electric cars have been ditching AM radio as a feature.
Markey, who sits on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee that Cruz chairs, said citizens rely on AM radio to stay informed, especially during emergencies.
“As we witness more tragic climate change-induced disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, broadcast AM radio continues to be a critical tool for communication. AM radio is a lifeline for people across the country for news, sports, and especially emergency information,” Markey said in a statement.
“Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles,” Markey said.
Cruz echoed Markey’s comments.
“During weather disasters or power outages, AM radio is consistently the most reliable form of communication and is critical to keep millions of Texans safe,” Cruz said in a statement.
“AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades,” Cruz said.
In May 2023, Markey and Cruz led their colleagues in introducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
The bill passed through the Senate Commerce Committee in July 2023 and passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September 2024.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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