The Need to Keep AM Radio in New Vehicles and to Keep the AM Signal Alive and Healthy, Especially in Times of Natural Disaster

May 02, 2023 at 07:52 am by WGNS News

Listen to our full news story (audio) below


Millions of Americans are concerned about the lifespan of AM Radio… Former FEMA officials are warning the Biden administration about the dangers of dropping AM radio from Electric Vehicles (E-V’s), Monica Rix with CBS News reported… Auto Reporter Jeff Gilbert said…

Locally, Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr stated…Rutherford County has seen its share of natural disasters over the years with tornadoes, the most recent occurring in the midnight hours of March 31st and into the early morning hours of April 1st of this year. Mayor Carr suggested that AM Radio is a public service tool that can save lives as bad weather approaches. This is especially true when the internet is not working, cellphone and land lines are down or the electricity is out…

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In 2022, U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey from Massachusetts, wrote a letter to 20 automakers making one simple request… to leave AM radios in new vehicles. The Senators argument was that the AM frequency allows public safety officials at the local, state and federal level quickly communicate with a vast number of people. Markey said, “Despite innovations such as the smartphone and social media, AM/FM broadcast radio remains the most dependable, cost-free, and accessible communication mechanism for public officials to communicate with the public during times of emergency. As a result, any phase-out of broadcast AM radio could pose a significant communication problem during emergencies.”

Let your voice be heard to keep AM Radio ALIVE, as an important tool in communications, especially when cellphone lines are not working, the internet is down or when the power is out. The National Association of Broadcasters and this station, WGNS, invite you to text your thoughts to the number, “52886” today.

MORE: Forrest Sanders with News Channel 5 did a great story on this issue on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. See that news video below.