Save AM Radio in Cars Campaign Wins First Round
After Ford’s Tuesday announcement that it is reversing its previous course and will not eliminate AM radios from its gasoline vehicles in 2024, supporters of the campaign are enjoying a victory lap. Ford said it would make AM radio available in all gas vehicles in 2024 and will make upgrades available for owners of 2023 electric vehicles who want an AM radio. This comes on the heels of a bi-partisan, bi-cameral bill filed by congressional leaders in Washington that would give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration authority to require AM radios in new vehicles at no additional cost, citing safety for citizens, access to foreign language programming and more. Ford is not the only auto manufacturer to announce phasing out of AM radio in gasoline and electric vehicles and proponents of AM radio are saying this but one battle in the war to save AM radio in vehicles. TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison appeared on FOX News Channel to talk about the issue. See the video of his appearance here.
Safety Administration to require AM in new vehicles at no additional cost, citing safety for citizens, access to foreign language programming and more. While Ford’s change of heart takes some of the immediate heat off the industry, there’s no indication legislators won’t continue pushing the legislation. Reacting to the bill, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation called the bill unnecessary and said the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System sends public safety messages across numerous platforms including FM radio, streaming sites, satellite radios, and cellular networks. 
One out of three American AM/FM radio listeners are reached monthly by AM radio. From the Edison study: 1) AM/FM radio dominates listening in the car with an 88% share of ad-supported audio; 2) AM/FM radio’s near-90 share of in-car ad-supported audio has been steady as a rock for the last six years; 3) AM/FM radio’s ad-supported shares in the car are dominant across all demographics, even among 18-34s; and 4) ‘Perception’ vs. ‘reality’: Agencies and advertisers underestimate AM/FM radio shares and overestimate Pandora and Spotify audiences (‘Perception’ from Advertiser Perceptions data). MRI Simmons shows Ford owners represent 20% of all U.S. AM radio listeners and are more likely to listen to AM radio. Cumulus chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard comments, “AM stations serve very unique, targeted constituencies and represent many languages and voices. As automobile manufacturers consider eliminating AM radio, it’s important to underscore that the AM dial is one of the most diverse media platforms in the world. Why would we eliminate this variety from the car?” 
communication during emergencies.” At this week’s NAB Show in Las Vegas, Catsimatidis met with members of the FCC and FEMA and, at Catsimatidis’ request, former Vice President Mike Pence voiced a “Save AM Radio” spot for 77 WABC. Catsimatidis is offering the PSA to every radio station in America. Catsimatidis says, “The automotive industry is doing a huge disservice to Americans by even considering the removal of AM radio from cars. They are putting the safety of Americans at peril by putting profits before people. Americans deserve better. I am urging all AM and FM radio stations, the NAB, the RAB, and state broadcast associations to band together and bring common sense to Ford and other auto manufacturers.”