By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

A bill that would mandate AM radio capability in car manufacturing has support from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and other agricultural organizations.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would be a legislative fix to American vehicle manufacturers’ plan to remove AM radio from new electric vehicles.

“Broadcast on AM radio is vital for rural America. It’s an essential source of weather, commodity and policy updates,” Regan Beck, TFB director of Government Affairs, said.

Farmers and ranchers depend on AM radio not only for daily news and entertainment, but also in times of emergency.

“Farmers and ranchers need a reliable form of communication to access critical information during times of emergency. Not everyone has access to the internet or cell phone service when they are working or are miles from home,” Beck said.

AM radio is still available when the power goes out, and cell towers go offline, Beck noted. Millions of rural Americans still lack broadband service, but they are able to receive updates on rural and agricultural programming, as well as emergency alerts, through AM radio.

According to the National Association of Broadcasters, AM stations cover 90% of the American population and can continue operations during power outages.

TFB’s Radio Network, which airs on over 130 radio stations, is a source of rural news and information for farmers, ranchers, landowners and rural enthusiasts. Of those 130 stations, about 40% are AM station signals.

Last year, several automakers announced plans to remove broadcast AM radio receivers from electric vehicles due to electromagnetic interference generated by electric batteries. Ford Motor Company also announced plans to remove AM radio from all vehicles in 2024, but later reversed that decision.

Under the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation would require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in new vehicles at no additional charge. The bill also will ensure rural residents have access to news that may impact their businesses, health care, education and family.

Other supporters of the bill include the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Texas Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.

A coalition letter supporting the legislation was signed by over 70 organizations and delivered to Congress.

Take action
Texas farmers and ranchers are encouraged to reach out to Congress to urge support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

“Farm Bureau urges farmers, ranchers, landowners and all who listen to AM radio to contact their Congressional lawmakers to urge support for this bill,” Beck said.

AFBF created an action alert in support of the bill. You can email your senator and representative here.