Posted on 05/19/2023 12:20:01 PM PDT by Twotone
Bipartisan legislation is being introduced in the House and Senate to keep AM radio from being removed from electric vehicles amid concerns the electric motors interfere with its frequency.
The AM for Every Vehicle Act has the support of Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-N.J.), Rob Menendez (D-N.J.), Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.). In the Senate, Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Tex).
The legislation would "direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a rule that requires automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge," according to Gottheimer's office.
"The importance of AM radio during large-scale emergencies cannot be underestimated, and it has, without a doubt and without interruption, saved lives and kept our communities informed," he said.
"When the cell phone runs out, the internet gets cut off, or the television doesn’t work because of no electricity or power to your house, you can still turn on your AM radio. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan AM for Every Vehicle Act in the House to ensure that all auto manufacturers include AM radio in their vehicles to protect public safety."
Westerman said the bill protections AM broadcast radio by "ensuring that automakers continue providing AM radio in new vehicles, cannot impose unnecessary fees or surcharges that would prevent Americans from accessing these vital services in their vehicles, and clearly indicate if any vehicle lacks AM radio capability."
Cruz called on both chambers to promptly pass the bill.
"Congress should act swiftly to pass this bill so Americans retain access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts on the public airwaves," he said. "I’m glad to work with Senator Markey on this bipartisan legislation to ensure carmakers do not limit Texans’ access to radio in their vehicles."
The bill follows news coverage this weekend about AM being removed, and some partisan speculation the move being intended to limit conservative talk radio shows, most of which having stations on the AM band.
Gottheimer specifically called out Tesla CEO Elon Musk for removing AM radio from new Tesla vehicles.
“I would think that if Elon Musk has enough money to buy Twitter and send rockets to space, he can afford to include AM radio in his Teslas. Instead, Elon Musk and Tesla and other car manufacturers are putting public safety and emergency response at risk,” he said.
I’m surprised libtards haven’t outlawed AM radio
I want my AMTV!
WHY??
Rush is dead.
The ostensible reason is that electric car motors create static and interference with AM radio reception. is this true?
In parts of the West the only radio signal is AM, no FM, no mobile, often no satellite.
How in the world is this a matter for the federal government?
I was an avid AM radio listener until Rush died. I don't think I've listened to AM since.
Every radio station has a license from the FCC to operate, so there’s that. They are talking about how AM radio stations are key sources of information in case of emergency, so that’s also part of them thinking it’s a federal matter.
Out of control government is out of control.
So you guys don’t listen to any other talk radio programs, since Rush’s passing?
*How in the world is this a matter for the federal government?*
Good question. I can’t see why the radios can’t be powered by a couple of AA batteries. Just change them from time to time.
We lose without AM. A business decision? Political? You tell me.
I’ve started listening to Sirius XM. The Patriot channel is probably my favorite.
But not AM.
Because the feds regulate access to electromagnetic spectrum. They have the power to regulate interstate commerce. Considering cars are manufactured in a few states then sold across state lines means the feds have justification for making standards those cars must meet. There are already safety, environmental, and fuel efficiency standards.
I am not a libertarian, but I remember when you could buy a car with NO radio. We have enough mandates for auto manufacturers.
So Congress is realizing that if AM dies, which it is in the process of doing regardless of the cars, they lose a lot of money in FCC fees. So they’re trying to prop it up. As always Congress doesn’t understand technology, or the changing world.
Another problem with AM is interference in homes. Static from wall warts. A foolish decision by the Feds long ago not to crack down on wall wart interference. During Hurricane Katrina, long-distance AM broadcasts were an essential source of information.
AM and EV electrical motor noise don’t go well together...............
Yup, during Katrina and other storms, WWL out of New Orleans has been great.
It's not just electric motors but some of the other electronics that now "talk" to each other wirelessly, including transponders from your car to roadside receivers as well as to other cars.
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