Legislation continues keeping AM radio in new automobiles

The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, legislation that would require automakers to include AM radio in all new passenger vehicles.

The bipartisan bill passed the House on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and now heads to the U.S. Senate. The legislation would direct the Department of Transportation to establish the requirement, while prohibiting automakers from charging consumers extra for AM radio capability.

The issue has become increasingly important as some automakers have removed AM reception from newer vehicles, including concerns about interference with AM signals in electric vehicles.

Supporters of the legislation say AM radio remains an important source of emergency information, particularly when severe weather or other disasters disrupt cellular networks and other communications.

Here in Fond du Lac, AM radio has a particularly long history.

KFIZ traces its broadcasting history back to 1922, when an automobile dealer started the AM station in an effort to promote the radios he was selling.

So while the legislation would not directly change KFIZ’s operation, requiring AM capability in new vehicles could help ensure that listeners continue to have access to AM radio while they’re driving — something particularly relevant to a station like KFIZ that has been part of the Fond du Lac community since the earliest days of commercial radio.

The bill still needs approval from the Senate before it could be sent to the president.