The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Why The American Election May Mean AM Radio Will Survive In Cars

**Posted by RadioActive** November 7, 2024 7:28 am

It’s impossible to say for sure, but I’m guessing the results of the U.S. election will have one almost sure fire effect -it almost guarantees passage of the "AM In Every Vehicle Act," which is painstakingly making its way through Congress down south.

The point of the legislation is to ensure that AM radios are mandatory in every car manufactured or sold south of the border, including electric vehicles. Interference caused by the motor and battery obliterates most AM signals, although there is a somewhat expensive fix most automakers don’t want to have to install or pass on to customers.

I say that the law is now more likely to make it through for one simple reason – it looks the Republicans will control the House and the Senate, allowing them to push through the new rules. Why would they be in favour? The usual excuse is that AM is a necessity in times of an emergency, like a tornado or a blackout, with signals that travel a long way and serve to keep the public informed.

But there’s another reason. For the most part, a large number of AM stations across the border specialize in conservative talk shows, something those in charge believe are worth keeping on the air. And that may be enough to spur them to finally get this thing passed. Whether that's a good thing or not remains to be seen.

**Posted by RadioActive** November 7, 2024 7:36 am

Just by sheer coincidence, I found this article on the topic. The author doesn't think this is a fait accompli, despite the coming change in the balance of power.

As Senate Power Shifts, AM Radio Act Hangs in the Balance

**Posted by turkeytop** November 7, 2024 9:47 am

I don't know how it works in the US. But, in Canada, when there is a change of Government, any legislation that had been working its way through Parliament just dies and that's the end of it. The new Government brings in its own legislative agenda.

**Posted by RadioAaron** November 7, 2024 10:12 am

This is not going to be a normal transfer of power

**Posted by LOSat** November 7, 2024 11:43 am

The world will have one more Sh!t Hole Banana Republic come January.

**Posted by The Weed** November 7, 2024 2:30 pm

IIRC, Trump was against EV's. Then Elon gave him north of 70 million dollars and a lot of free (mis)information on "X", formerly Twitter. Now Trump is fine with EV's but not Hydrogen powered vehicles. Elon owns an EV manufacturer and has stated there is no point in making a $25,000 Tesla. If keeping AM in his cars is going to increase costs, why would the new Reich allow that law to pass?

Last edited by The Weed (November 7, 2024 2:45 pm)

**Posted by RadioAaron** November 7, 2024 2:35 pm

The Weed wrote:
IIRC, Trump was against EV's. The Elon gave him north of 70 million dollars and a lot of free (mis)information on "X", formerly Twitter. Now Trump is fine with EV's but not Hydrogen powered vehicles. Elon owns an EV manufacturer and has stated there is no point in making a $25,000 Tesla. If keeping AM in his cars is going to increase costs, why would the new Reich allow that law to pass?

Solid point. Elon being against it kills it.

**Posted by RadioActive** November 7, 2024 2:49 pm

Maybe. But the NAB, still a powerful lobby), many conservative talk show hosts (which seems to be the majority of them) and Republicans love having these shows to go and spread their philosophy and get tons of free exposure. They're all for it and don't want to lose that gravy train to public ears. Democrats are never or rarely on those shows, so its free PR.

But free PR is no good if nobody can hear it.

And by the way, this bill is one of the rare ones that had bi-partisan support, with both members of both parties solidly in favour. So I still think it has a good chance of becoming law. And as someone who wants access to as many radio sources as possible, I hope it happens. Because if they pass it, we'll go for it here, too.

I still think this can be resolved much easier than this. Simply make it an option. If you want AM, pay for it. If you don't, don't. Seems fair to everybody.

**Posted by RadioAaron** November 7, 2024 2:52 pm

This government will rule by executive decree. Process, lobbyists, congress, etc will be meaningless.

**Posted by RadioActive** November 7, 2024 2:54 pm

RadioAaron wrote:
This government will rule by executive decree. Process, lobbyists, congress, etc will be meaningless.

Don't forget that Trump will get a free ride from these radio shows, no matter what he does.

Musk aside, I think his already giant ego will be fed repeatedly by having them on the air.

**Posted by newsguy1** November 7, 2024 3:19 pm

And now you know the rest of the story.

**Posted by Dial Twister** November 7, 2024 4:41 pm

newsguy1 wrote:
And now you know the rest of the story.

The rest of my story...

I would hereby like to profoundly thank my maternal ancestors for leaving New England in the late 1770s, in loyalty to the Crown.

As a result, I have a ceremonial King, and America has an authoritarian King...apparently sent by God him(her?)self.

Who could have figured?

God bless Canada!

**Posted by Dale Patterson** November 7, 2024 5:14 pm

So are we allowing political posts or not? It appears yes.

**Posted by RadioAaron** November 7, 2024 5:39 pm

RadioActive wrote:
RadioAaron wrote:
This government will rule by executive decree. Process, lobbyists, congress, etc will be meaningless.
Don't forget that Trump will get a free ride from these radio shows, no matter what he does.

Musk aside, I think his already giant ego will be fed repeatedly by having them on the air.

He’s a TV guy.

As for public opinion, it’s no longer going to matter.

**Posted by RadioActive** November 7, 2024 5:41 pm

Dale Patterson wrote:
So are we allowing political posts or not? It appears yes.

Only when it directly affects broadcasting. This future of AM in cars is important, and since it involves a political decision, it's almost impossible to discuss it without bringing up my least favourite subject.

But for the most part, I'm trying to avoid the subject like the plague - or in more modern terms, Covid.

**Posted by RadioActive** November 7, 2024 5:44 pm

RadioAaron wrote:
RadioActive wrote:
RadioAaron wrote:
This government will rule by executive decree. Process, lobbyists, congress, etc will be meaningless.
Don't forget that Trump will get a free ride from these radio shows, no matter what he does.

Musk aside, I think his already giant ego will be fed repeatedly by having them on the air.
As for public opinion, it’s no longer going to matter.

Having watched this moron for so many years, I think it's safe to say anything that flatters his overly-inflated narcissistic ego matters to him.

I'll keep an eye on this legislation to see what happens. But I have to admit I didn't consider the Musk factor.