Automakers Look To Turn Off AM Radios Forever

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In the words of DJ Khaled, “another one” has entered the race for the White House.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie officially launched his 2024 Republican presidential bid yesterday. He says, “I’m running for President of the United States because the truth still matters. We need leaders that are willing to stand up and tell it like it is.”

As the New York Times puts it: For Christie, Winning Would Be Great. Beating Trump Would Be a Close Second. 

Stay tuned, as former Vice President Mike Pence is expected to also enter the race later today.

And another one…

Mosheh, Jill, & Courtney

🗞 ON THE RADIO...

There’s very little that Republicans and Democrats agree on these days, but we at Mo News may have found one thing— the importance of AM radio in cars.

#AMRADIO4EVA
Lawmakers are looking to pass the “AM for Every Vehicle Act,” which requires every new car to include AM radio at no additional cost. It was the subject of a hearing on Tuesday in Congress.

OK, BUT WHY NOW?
Some automakers have started to drop AM radio from their new models, specifically their electric vehicles.

At issue— automakers like BMW, Volvo, Tesla, and Volkswagen— have argued that the new electric car batteries interfere with AM transmissions. And they say shielding radio reception gear can be costly and complex, especially when vehicle users can access AM signals via digital platforms.

POINT, COUNTERPOINT
At Tuesday’s hearing, lawmakers argued that AM radio is essential, especially during public emergencies when other alert systems that rely on the electric grid and cellphone networks may not work.

Plus, many AM radio users are older than 65, and less likely to use the internet and smartphones.

🎥 For some light watching, here’s the full video from Tuesday’s hearing:

INDUSTRY GROUPS SAY….
… that there are plenty of other ways to get emergency updates like smartphones and satellite radio. They add that requiring AM radio in all vehicles would be an impediment to getting more electric vehicles on the road (another government priority).

BY THE NUMBERS:

• In 2022, AM radio had 82.3 million monthly listeners, or about one in three AM/FM radio listeners, according to Nielsen

• News/talk is the most popular format, according to a Westwood One survey

• There are 141 areas in the US where AM radio accounts for a minimum of 20% of total broadcast radio listening, according to Nielsen.

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🗓 ON THIS DAY: MAY 7

• 1929: Vatican City becomes an independent state. The Lateran Treaty guarantees the political and territorial sovereignty of the Vatican.

• 1965: In the landmark case of Griswold v. State of Connecticut, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the constitutional right of married persons to use birth control. The court ruled for a right to privacy, overturning a state law banning birth control.

• 1958: Today would have been Prince’s 65th birthday. We should note, he used a previous birthday in 1993 to change his stage name to an unpronounceable 'Love Symbol'.

• 1983: ‘Trading Places’ starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd premiered in theaters.

  
  Looking good, Billy Ray! Feeling good, Louis!