Save Our Signal! Politicians close in on votes needed to keep AM radio in every car

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The signal might be fading, but it can't be lost.

That's the message from politicians who are closing in on the required number of votes needed to pass federal legislation that requires AM radios in every new car.

The prevalence of AM broadcast radio has dipped in recent decades as more listeners turn to options such as satellite radio and podcasts during drivetime. But a large, bipartisan group of lawmakers believes saving the AM dial is critical to public safety, especially in rural America, and they want to ensure access to it via car radios.

“The emergency alert system works on the AM spectrum - that's where people get information about emergencies,” said independent Sen. Angus King of Maine. “It's a critical source of information, particularly in rural areas that might not have clear access to an FM signal.”