WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — Efforts to keep AM radio in new vehicles continue on Capitol Hill as lawmakers push back against plans by some automakers to remove the receivers. Several large manufacturers have argued that AM radio is becoming less necessary, citing rising costs and declining listenership.
Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts says that AM radio remains an important source of information for rural communities across the country. His new bill, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, would require automakers to keep AM radio receivers in all new passenger vehicles.
“AM radio stations in Nebraska and around the country are still the lifeblood of rural communities,” Ricketts said. “In the Senate, I am working to preserve this important service. Every vehicle sold in the U.S. should be equipped with an AM broadcast radio at no charge. In Nebraska, we know this is common sense. My ‘AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act’ would do that.”
Ricketts’ proposal would also require the Department of Transportation to ensure AM radio is available at no additional cost to consumers.
