Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is leading a charge to preserve AM radio in vehicles as the nation faces increasing pressure to transition away from traditional broadcasting in electric vehicles (EVs). Moody, alongside ten other state attorneys general, has called on Congress to pass the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,” a bipartisan bill designed to safeguard AM radio in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Moody argues that AM radio remains an essential tool for public safety, especially during emergency situations like Hurricane Helene, which serves as a prime example of its critical role. “It would be a grave mistake to phase out AM radio in vehicles,” says Moody, emphasizing the necessity for reliable communication during natural disasters and other emergencies. AM radio, she insists, provides a direct line to weather updates, evacuation orders, and public safety alerts, which are vital for both rural and urban communities.
The push for the bill comes in response to growing reports that several automakers, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, are considering removing AM radio from new models. The reasoning behind this decision is often related to concerns that AM radio signals interfere with the electric components of EVs, leading manufacturers to omit the feature altogether.
Moody and her counterparts are stressing the dangers of such a move, pointing out that AM radio is often the only means of communication in areas where cell service or internet access is unreliable. “AM radio has been a constant in delivering crucial information to the public, especially when other forms of communication fail,” Moody explained. She adds that while the automotive industry is embracing newer technologies, it is critical that AM radio is preserved as part of these advancements.
The “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” has already passed through a U.S. House committee but has not seen any significant movement since. The bill has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, reflecting the widespread recognition of AM radio’s importance to national safety and communication infrastructure.
Advocates for the bill, like Moody, argue that the government has a responsibility to ensure that all vehicles, including electric ones, continue to provide access to AM radio. Many fear that without legislative action, the phase-out of AM radio could proceed, leaving millions of Americans without a reliable source of emergency communication.
As the nation faces more frequent and severe weather events, proponents believe now is the time to solidify AM radio’s place in vehicles for the foreseeable future. With hurricane season underway and natural disasters becoming more unpredictable, Moody and her fellow attorneys general are urging Congress to act swiftly to prevent any further delay.
Moody remains hopeful that the bipartisan nature of the bill will lead to its eventual passage. “This is not a political issue; this is about saving lives and ensuring that we can communicate with the public when it matters most,” she stated.
