Why AM Radio Is Fighting for Survival on Capitol Hill

Sarah Mitchell · 2026-07-17

It's easy to overlook AM radio these days. With slick podcasts, streaming apps, and satellite channels, the old-school band can feel like a relic. But don't count it out just yet. Broadcasters are heading to Capitol Hill with a serious message: AM radio still matters, and it needs protection. ### The Fight Isn't Over You might think the battle for AM radio was lost years ago. But the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is pushing back hard. They're arguing that AM radio isn't just about nostalgia. It's a critical tool for emergency alerts, local news, and connecting communities that don't have reliable internet. Think about it. When a hurricane hits or a wildfire spreads, cell towers can fail. But AM radio signals can travel hundreds of miles, cutting through disaster zones. That's why broadcasters are lobbying lawmakers to keep AM in cars and on the airwaves. ### Why Automakers Are the Real Target Here's where it gets interesting. Some car manufacturers are dropping AM radio from their new electric vehicles. The reason? Electric motors can create interference that messes with AM signals. But broadcasters say that's a fixable problem, not a reason to kill the band. - **Tesla** already removed AM from some models. - **Ford** initially planned to drop it, then reversed course after public outcry. - **Volkswagen** and **BMW** are also considering the move. If automakers succeed in phasing out AM, millions of drivers could lose access to local news, weather, and emergency alerts. That's a big deal in rural areas where AM is still the go-to source for information. ### What Lawmakers Can Do The NAB isn't just asking nicely. They're pushing for legislation that would require all new cars to include AM radio. It's a simple fix that could preserve a vital public service. And it's not just about radio. It's about ensuring that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to critical information during emergencies. "AM radio is a lifeline, not a luxury," one broadcaster told me. And they're right. When the power goes out and your phone dies, that old AM dial might be your only connection to the outside world. ### The Bigger Picture This fight isn't just about radio. It's about the future of local media. As newspapers shrink and TV stations consolidate, AM radio remains one of the few platforms that actually covers small towns and rural counties. Losing it would leave a gap that streaming services can't fill. So next time you hear someone say AM radio is dead, remember this: there's a battle brewing on Capitol Hill, and the outcome could affect how millions of Americans stay informed. It's not just about preserving the past. It's about protecting the future of local communication. ### What You Can Do If you care about keeping AM radio alive, speak up. Contact your representatives. Support local stations. And if you're in the market for a new car, ask whether it includes AM. Every voice counts in this fight. Broadcasters are taking their case to Washington. Whether they succeed depends on whether the rest of us are listening.