Whether it was the threat of legislative action that would require it, or just a reaction to lobbying from government officials, listeners and buyers alike, Ford announced that it has reversed its decision to remove AM radio capabilities from some gas-powered vehicles in 2024 and through a software update will add the ability to receive AM in its 2023 electric vehicles.
One of the arguments for maintaining the ability to receive AM signals has to do with safety. The Emergency Alert System often relies on AM stations to spread news and information in the case of an emergency — KFI (640 AM) is the key link locally, for example — and the long-distance reception that AM transmissions offer can get news to distant rural areas with ease.
It is honestly a compelling argument. While cellphone notifications can also be used in emergencies, the cellular network relies on cell towers and internet connections, which are not nearly as universal or robust as AM transmissions.
The notice was made by Ford CEO Jim Farley via social media; he posted on Twitter, “After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system, we’ve decided to include it on all 2024 Ford & LincolnMotorCo vehicles. For any owners of Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability, we’ll offer a software update.”
Notice the year is 2024. Nothing is stated on any year further ahead, so the battle may not necessarily be over. And obviously, Ford’s decision doesn’t affect the operations of other companies — those that can’t figure out how to eliminate interference from their electric vehicles even though it doesn’t seem to be an issue with the likes of General Motors, Toyota, and now, of course, Ford. Yes, BMW, Volvo, Volkswagen, Tesla, Rivian and Mazda — all of which have already or plan to remove AM from the dashboard — I am calling out your basic engineering expertise. Convince me I’m wrong.
So the legislative action continues and may indeed require AM reception in all vehicles in the future, similar to how television sets were required to offer UHF tuners starting in the 1960s.
Yet I can’t shake the feeling that if more AM stations offered compelling programming and maintained their signals better, we wouldn’t be having this discussion at all. But you already know my position on that. Perhaps the renewed focus on AM will help start some programming momentum.
Tune-ins and turn offs
More on your radio likes and dislikes:
“My wife and I enjoy listening to the radio during the day. What we dislike is hearing the same five songs (on every channel) over and over every day and usually at the exact same times, when there is such a wealth of good oldies music available from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Thank you for asking” — Tony Elia, Mission Viejo
“My comment on news radio stations, particularly morning KNX (1070 AM, 97.1 FM), is that they read the news too fast and don’t use proper nouns much. They usually say the proper noun of a city or person at the beginning of the story but from then on it’s just: city or he or she. Sometimes I miss the proper name and don’t know the location or who the story is referring to. Also, an introductory phrase between stories would help – sometimes I’m still trying to digest a story when they quickly read the next one without warning.
“What I like: the three minutes of CBS news on the hour on KNX as well as the in-depth reporting, the Jerry Sharell show on KJAZZ (88.1 FM), and Rich on Tech on KFI (640 AM).” — Clive Soden
“I love the Kevin and Sluggo Show on KLOS (95.5 FM) 3-7 PM. There are different daily segments like a funny or weird current news event, including audio, usually a human fail story. They have listeners call in with their responses to the daily topic; i.e. what is a tattoo you regret getting? There is a daily top ten list, such as top 10 Easter candy sold. Then Kevin tries to guess at least five correctly and if he does, Sluggo gives him a dollar. It is very funny & entertaining for the afternoon commute.” — Cee Cee Curti
“I love K-SURF (105.1 HD4) oldies. I hate the fact that when I listen to it on my car’s HD radio setting it is constantly cutting on and off all the time. Where I live, reception is always spotty. Would I tune in to a different station? Absolutely, if only they would play the 60s rock like K-SURF. There are plenty of us old boomers still around who would love to hear the 60 music being played on the radio.
“Why can’t one of the regular FM oldies stations play the stuff from the ’60s? At least with the regular FM stations I don’t have any reception issues and they all come in nice and clear. I have the KKGO app on my cell phone but really who wants to listen to music on their cell phone while driving? It sounds so much better on the car radio than on your cell phone.” — Dan Schary
(The trick is to get your phone connected to your car stereo!)
“I love KFI. I listen to Gary and Shannon, John and Ken, and Tim Conway. I was crushed when John and Ken changed their time from 1-4, because I liked to listen to them after work. Dislikes? The monotonous KARS4KIDS jingle. I will slam the OFF button the second I hear it start. How about they just SAY that you can donate your car to them? Fact: I NEVER will!
“I also love The Patriot (KEIB, 1150 AM), especially the Joe Escalante show on Sundays, country and classic rock stations, and Sirius Satellite Radio.” — Bonnie Hoy
Still more to come …
Richard Wagoner is a San Pedro freelance columnist covering radio in Southern California. Email rwagoner@socalradiowaves.com.
