US automakers could soon be forced to include AM radio for free

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation with strong bipartisan support that would mandate the inclusion of AM radio in all new vehicles sold in the country. The bill, which aims to ensure that emergency broadcast systems remain accessible to the public, would require automakers to provide this feature at no additional cost to consumers. Proponents of the measure argue that AM radio remains a critical infrastructure component for public safety, particularly in rural areas where cellular coverage may be unreliable. While the automotive industry has increasingly moved toward digital-only entertainment systems, citing the interference caused by electric vehicle motors, this legislative push signals a significant government intervention in vehicle design. If the bill passes the Senate and is signed into law, it will mark a notable shift in how federal regulators influence the standard features offered in modern automobiles.