The War on AM Radio: A Desperate Attempt to Keep the Old Guard Alive
In a move that reeks of nostalgia and desperation, Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass) has introduced the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act", a bill that would force automakers to install AM radio in all vehicles, regardless of whether they’re electric or not. This is a clear attempt to prop up an outdated technology that’s rapidly losing relevance in the face of modern advancements.
Conservatives are crying foul, claiming that this is a "free speech" issue and that AM radio is a vital platform for right-wing media outlets. But let’s be real, folks – AM radio is a dying breed, and it’s time to let it go. The slow demise of AM radio is a necessary step towards a more streamlined and efficient broadcasting landscape.
But what about emergency broadcasts, you ask? Won’t this bill ensure that vital information reaches the masses in times of crisis? Not necessarily. With the rise of social media and other digital platforms, the notion that AM radio is the only way to disseminate emergency information is nothing short of laughable.
In fact, several automakers have already ditched AM radio in their new models, citing electromagnetic interference from electric powertrains as the reason. And for good reason – AM radio is a relic of the past, and it’s time to move on.
But don’t just take my word for it. Albert Gore, executive director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association, had this to say: "With a new mandate, [EV companies] will have to go through a significant powertrain redesign, vehicle redesign… because of the degree to which electric motor generates this [electromagnetic] interference." Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.
The truth is, this bill is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to protect the interests of the status quo. It’s a desperate attempt to cling to the past, rather than embracing the future. So, let’s call this bill what it is – a relic of the past, trying to cling to relevance in a world that’s rapidly moving on.




