It’s possible for Chicago residents to be heard driving while listening to the great Pat Hughes broadcast the Cubs game on 670AM. But, the rise of electric vehicles in America may threaten AM radio traditions.
The big picture: Because electric motors interfere with AM frequencies, some major EV manufacturers do not include AM radio in their new vehicles. Government initiatives to promote the use of electric vehicles more widely could spell the end of the broadcasting era.
By 2030, the United States wants half of all vehicles to be electric.
Why it’s important For stations and their listeners, the loss of AM radio in cars might have a significant impact.
While some automakers say that the government’s emergency management system is more effective, elected officials contend that AM is necessary for public emergencies to adjust to modern technology.
Think carefully: Radio is still important. According to a 2020 Pew Research study, 83% of Americans are still reached through the media.
Moreover, the National Organization of Broadcasters estimates that 50 million people still tune in to AM stations.
True, however despite radio’s continuous popularity, its audience has been declining recently as a result of new platforms like streaming and podcasts.
Radio bosses are concerned about cutting it out in EVs because most radio listening now takes place in cars.
Zoom in: AM radio has a particular place in Chicago history since many of the most well-known shows in the nation began in this city throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
shows like “Fibber McGee and Molly” on WMAQ and “National Barn Dance” on WLS.
We benefit from having a 50,000-watt signals emanating from Chicago to most of the Midwest and Canada, unimpeded by mountain ranges.
