The Romantic Era of Car Radios Also Ends... US AM Function Phase-Out Spreads

AM Radio Shaped by a Century of American Culture
Gradually Phased Out with the Electric Vehicle Era
Advertising Revenue and Disaster Alert Roles Also Declining

As AM (medium wave) radio functions begin to be phased out in American cars, controversy is arising. In the vast territory of the United States, cars are a primary means of transportation, and AM radio broadcasts installed in vehicles have already become a part of American 'culture.' There is backlash that if AM radio is removed from cars, radio broadcasters will also suffer significant damage.

According to the US 'Washington Post' (WP) on the 14th (local time), several automakers including Volkswagen, Mazda, Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar plan to remove AM radio functions from future electric vehicle models.

Manufacturers claim that AM broadcast signals can interfere with electric motors. In particular, Ford, a representative American automaker, is reportedly excluding AM radio not only from electric vehicles but also from internal combustion engine cars.

Car radio. Not related to any specific expression in the article.

While FM (ultra-high frequency) radio has already become dominant in Korea, many people in the US still listen to AM radio broadcasts. According to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the monthly number of AM radio listeners reaches 82 million, with especially high listening rates among the elderly and people of color.

From the perspective of radio broadcasters, AM radio is a major source of revenue. Out of a total advertising revenue of $11 billion, $2 billion comes from AM radio.

Because of this background, the removal of AM radio by automakers has drawn strong criticism from both American progressives and conservatives. This is because it negatively affects not only conservatives who secure elderly support through radio broadcasts but also progressives who need to consolidate the votes of people of color.

In this regard, famous American talk show host Mark Levin said on his show last month, "Cars are essential to freedom," adding, "Controlling cars is controlling freedom. They have finally found a way to attack conservative talk shows."

Radio booth. The photo is unrelated to the specific content of the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Warnings have also been raised that removing AM radio could increase safety risks for drivers. According to the US media 'Axios,' AM radio is used by the federal government, state governments, and local agencies for public disaster alerts.

Although more people recently receive important information via smartphones, AM radio is pointed out as an important 'public infrastructure' for the extremely poor who cannot afford the latest electronic devices.

Regarding this, WP evaluated that AM broadcasters are building a cooperative front that includes both conservative and progressive political camps as well as emergency responders.

Meanwhile, AM radio has a deep history in the United States. The first AM radio station 'KZKZ' was established in the US in 1924. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, former President Franklin Roosevelt used AM broadcasts for his 'Fireside chats' to appeal for national unity.

Pop hit song selections by DJs, sports broadcasts, and major talk shows were also carried out through AM radio, making it a core part of American popular culture in the 1970s. For Americans who often take long-distance trips by car, it is already an integral part of life. WP emphasized this by stating, "During the first 100 years of mass media, AM radio shaped the lives of Americans."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.