https://www.axios.com/2023/05/17/am-radio-congress-carsA bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to make it illegal for carmakers to eliminate AM radio from their cars, arguing public safety is at risk, Axios is first to report. AM radio is one key way that government officials communicate with the public during natural disasters and other emergencies. Officials worry that if drivers don't have access, they might miss important safety alerts. Some manufacturers are eliminating AM radio from their electric vehicles (EVs) because of interference from the electric motors that results in annoying buzzing noises and faded signals. They argue that car owners can still access AM radio content through digital streaming packages or smartphone apps (though such services sometimes require a subscription).
While AM might seem like a relic of the past, nearly 50 million people still listen to it, according to Nielsen figures provided by the National Association of Broadcasters. The proposed legislation, to be introduced today by Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and others, would require all new vehicles to include AM radio at no additional charge.
EV makers that have already eliminated AM radio (BMW, Ford, Mazda, Polestar, Rivian, Tesla, Volkswagen and Volvo) would be required to let consumers know. The law would also direct the Government Accountability Office to study whether alternative communication systems are as effective in reaching the public during emergencies. "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," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), the lead sponsor in the House.
FM doesn't have the range of AM. When I drive towards LA, I have to change between NPR stations they are all FM. Venerable AM station KNX in LA even reaches even to where I live.