NO DATE (WJON News) — An effort is being made to save the AM dial to the vehicle dashboard.
Wendy Paulson is the president of the Minnesota Association of Broadcasters. He says AM radio is slowly being phased out of the dashboards of some new models. He says Ford just revealed last month that it is removing AM dials from its new models.
Paulson says the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations has launched an effort to slow or stop the rollout.
We believe that automakers really want to make sure that consumers have access to the very important information that AM can provide in times of crisis. We believe that an educational campaign, with the help of Congress, will go a long way.
She says that although many AM radio stations have FM translators now, that signal does not reach as far as the AM signal. There are also online streaming options, but they may not be reliable in the event of a disaster. And in times of emergency, AM stations can be a lifeline to the community.
They are economic engines for the companies in their communities. Without these AM stations, and also FM stations, how do you get the word out that you’re having a sale, or whatever is going on in your community.
Paulson says there are more than 40 million AM listeners nationwide each week.
Most electric vehicles from vehicle manufacturers have interference with AM radio reception.
Paulson says listeners can contact their members of Congress if they want to help save AM radio on vehicle dashboards.
There are just over 100 AM radio stations in Minnesota, including AM 1240 WJON and AM 1390 KXSS here at Townsquare Media in St. Cloud.
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