Lawmakers Continue Fight to Preserve AM Radio

Proposed legislation would require automakers to include AM radio in all new passenger vehicles at no additional cost.

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.

Related Stories
This week on Champions of Rural America, Congressman Nick Begich discusses the lease sale, its economic impact, and what it could mean for future energy production in Alaska.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s new soil health strategy, its implications for producers, and its potential to support sustainable agriculture in Canada compared to USDA funding for conservation.
National Association of Wheat Growers President Jamie Kress discusses how rising fertilizer prices pressure wheat producers and the Administration’s consideration of lowering duties on Moroccan phosphate.
EPA estimates the rule could generate more than $10 billion for rural economies and support over 100,000 jobs across agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
White House hosts “Celebration of Agriculture” as Trump administration signals new farmer support, including potential tax breaks and upcoming renewable fuel policy updates.
As ag lawmakers in the Senate await the House vote on the Farm Bill, they are eager to discuss the challenges farmers face before it is their turn to take up the critical legislation.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

NAAA’s Andrew Moore joins us to discuss the role of ag aircraft in crop protection and emerging concerns surrounding stolen agricultural drones.
“Flat FFA members” help students share life and agriculture across states
“Miss Ruby” continues to shape generations through service
K-State researchers advise producers to take action, highlighting that prevention is essential for controlling tick populations as cases spread West.
Discussions focused on rising costs and the future of farm policy.
Arbor Day event launches statewide effort led by 4-H and FFA