Ford to Bring AM Radio to 2024 Models, Reversing Initial Decision—Is It Because of Congress?

A decision that should have been the future of car radios for Ford is now reversed and AM radio transmissions will still be picked up by its systems in the coming year. In the recent revelation of Ford, all upcoming 2024 car models of the company would still support AM radios, and this is after it caught the attention of the US Congress in its bid to remove it from cars.

With this, a new bill from Congress was published, centering on allowing AM radio transmissions to still be available to cars in the future.

Ford Brings Back Support for AM Radios, 2024 Models Also

In a surprising turn of events, Ford has announced its decision to bring back AM radio reception to its car models, including the upcoming 2024 lineup. As per its CEO, Jim Farley (via Twitter), Ford is bringing back AM radio support, and its team has already made a quick move in including it in its cars, including the future releases of the company.

This reversal comes after the automaker initially decided to disallow its systems from connecting to AM transmissions, a move that garnered significant attention and scrutiny from both consumers and lawmakers.

Ford's decision to remove AM radio reception from its vehicles had caught the attention of the US Congress, prompting discussions on the future of AM radio and its importance to the American public. The discontinuation of AM radio connections sparked concerns about access to news, emergency alerts, and cultural programming, particularly in rural areas where AM radio remains a vital source of information and entertainment.

The US Congress' New AM Radio Bill

Responding to the growing concerns, the US Congress introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023, a bill aimed at ensuring continued support for AM radios in car models. The bill emphasized the significance of AM radio as a reliable and accessible medium, especially during times of emergencies and natural disasters when other forms of communication may be compromised.

In light of this legislative action and the feedback from consumers, Ford has decided to reverse its initial decision and reinstate AM radio reception in its vehicles. The company recognizes the enduring popularity and relevance of AM radio, acknowledging its ability to reach a wide audience and provide valuable content.

AM Radios for Cars

Back in April, Ford announced that AM radios would no longer be picked up by its vehicles, and would center on FM, and other forms of radio streaming on its cars. This centers on next-gen cars including its electric vehicles and upcoming gas-powered vehicles, centering on its future releases.

This is amidst the company's move towards providing next-gen cars including its EV developments, with the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning electric pickup which are famous in the market.

While streaming services and other digital audio platforms have gained prominence, AM radio remains an integral part of the media landscape, reaching millions of listeners across the country.

Ford's reversal on AM radio reception sets a positive precedent for other automakers and emphasizes the ongoing importance of traditional radio in an ever-evolving media ecosystem. As the automotive industry continues to integrate advanced technologies, it is crucial to preserve the accessibility and diversity of audio content options, ensuring that consumers can enjoy their preferred forms of entertainment and information while on the road.