The fight over AM radio continues, and the National Farmers Union is speaking out.
President of the Association, Rob Larew, likens the fight over AM to ongoing ‘Right to Repair’ issues, saying manufacturers are removing consumer choice.
“It’s to the disadvantage of rural residents, and ultimately for U.S farmers and ranchers, certainly. Too often, whether it’s health care policies, whether it’s issues around access to information out there and airwaves and making sure that rural residents have that same opportunity and access to information, access to care, all of those things tie in together because too often, unfortunately, rural residents are left at a huge disadvantage. This issue, though it goes beyond rural areas quite frankly, and it is another example as you well said that you have a few manufacturers dictating and directing, what that access to information is in the future, that shouldn’t be, and certainly we support the efforts to change that,” Larew said.
Ford Motor Company has said they plan to end the use of AM radios in their gas and electric consumer vehicles starting next year.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, said he does not know of a formal role his department has in preventing the action, but he acknowledged the value of AM radio to rural America.
