Why is AM radio important? Should she die or be saved?

In the era of podcasts, streaming platforms and internet radio AM radio It’s often perceived as a declining medium, but has it really lost its relevance? And more importantly, does it deserve to remain relevant? These questions are at the center of debate in the broadcasting world. Additionally, recent legislative movements in the United States provide new hope for this sesquicentennial.

What is AM radio?

When we hear the term radio, most people immediately think of FM stations that broadcast music or talk shows. However, there is another form of radio that has been around for a century: AM radio.

AM (amplitude modulated) radio is a type of radio transmission that encodes information such as voice, music, or data into a radio wave by modulating its amplitude or strength. The radio wave is then transmitted through the air and picked up by a receiver, such as a car or home radio.

Why is AM radio important?

To answer the question “why is AM radio important?”, it is important to understand the role the medium has played over the years and its future potential.

The history of AM radio dates back to the early 1900s. It was the first type of radio broadcasting and was widely used for radio broadcasting and communications. In the early days of radio broadcasting, AM was the only way to transmit audio signals over long distances and quickly became the dominant broadcast technology, becoming the primary means of communication for millions of people around the world.

From news to entertainment and sports programming, AM radio has been a constant companion in everyday life. However, with the advent of FM radio and the rise of digital technologies such as satellite radio and streaming services, AM radio’s popularity has declined.

Despite its decline in popularity, AM radio remains vital in many communities, especially in rural areas and areas where other forms of communication may be insufficient. During emergencies and natural disasters, AM radio is often the only source of information available to many people. Its ability to cover large geographic areas with a single station makes it an important tool for keeping communities informed and safe.

Additionally, although AM radio’s audio quality may be susceptible to interference and static, its signal is less affected by physical obstacles such as buildings and mountainous terrain compared to FM radio. This means that in some situations, AM radio may be the only reliable source of information.

AM radio also remains an important platform for a variety of content. Unlike streaming platforms, which are often customized based on a user’s interests, AM radio offers a wide range of programming, from news to music to discussion, that can open listeners up to new perspectives and experiences.

Rescuer AM Radio

AM radio waves are gaining legislative support in the United States, ensuring their survival in American vehicles for the foreseeable future.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, championed by Senators Edward Markey and Ted Cruz, is gaining traction in Congress with support from several lawmakers. This bipartisan bill aims to force automakers to include AM radios in all vehicles they make.

The bill currently has the support of 60 U.S. senators and 246 House cosponsors, according to Markey and Cruz. With such support, it is highly likely that it will become law.

As AM radio’s popularity declines, automakers have decided to stop including it in new models. This decision is mainly based on economic considerations: maintaining compatibility with AM radio involves additional costs for companies. Ultimately, beyond financial concerns, their inclusion is justified by cultural value and program diversity.

Despite technological advances, AM radio remains vital to millions of listeners, broadcasters and emergency responders. Its integration into new vehicles will not only ensure its continuity, but will also enhance its value as a critical tool for keeping communities informed at critical times.