Mandating AM Radio in New Cars

A new federal push would require automakers to include analog AM radio in all new vehicles, after some manufacturers removed it from certain electric models due to interference and cost. Supporters frame the rule as a public‑safety and media‑diversity measure; automakers frame it as an unnecessary mandate that forces legacy tech into modern designs. — If enacted, the mandate would set a precedent for when government can force retention of legacy communications tech for resilience, reshaping vehicle design choices, emergency‑alert policy, and the economics of in‑car media.