Ford Canada announced yesterday that it’s joining the ranks of auto manufacturers that are removing AM radios from all vehicles. A spokesperson for the company said that anyone that wants to listen to AM can link their phones to the entertainment system in their vehicle and stream the content, but this doesn’t address the needs of the people that live in rural areas where data connections can be spotty at best.
The announcement follows behind Ford in America, which announced it would be dropping AM radios from new models they produce except for commercial vehicles. Manufacturers of electric vehicles have said that AM radio doesn’t perform well with their models, leading them to announce plans to remove AM radio as well. The move isn’t being received well by many, including FCC Commissioners and members of Congress.
Pete Gaynor, the former administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is on record saying that “Experts at FEMA…have been clear: eliminating the AM radio will put public safety at risk.” We Are Broadcasters is leading the push to keep AM radios in vehicles for the over 80 million people who depend on the AM band, and are encouraging everyone to text “AM” to 52886 to let Congress know they want AM radios to stay in vehicles. Christine and Salt talked with WTIC AM 1080 morning host, Brian Shactman about his whole existence being destroyed by automakers, listen to the audio above and don't forget to text "AM" to 52886 to save AM radio!






