The LuLac Edition #4, 971, May 24th, 2023

 WRITE ON WEDNESDAY 

Our "Write On Wednesday" logo. 

This week we learned that some America car companies wanted to stop making AM radios for Electric cars. The Times Shamrock Editoril board had a few thoughts which we concur with.

 'ZOWEE DIGGINS!' KEEP AM RADIO

There are technical and generational gaps between AM radio and modern media. It’s safe to say that younger Northeast Pennsylvanians aren’t familiar with AM, much less with the term “Zowee Diggins!” — the late DJ Terry McNulty’s signature call for WARM dance parties during AM’s heyday.

Now, automakers have begun to produce vehicles without AM radio access. Tesla, Ford, BMW, Mazda and Volkswagen have said that their electric vehicle motors create electromagnetic frequencies that interfere with AM.

They might have to resolve that problem. Many members of Congress want to preserve AM radio as an important medium for public emergency broadcasts. And, conservative legislators have noted that eight of the top 10 radio talk shows lean conservative and air primarily on AM.

The AM for Every Vehicle Act has been introduced in both houses by sponsors of both parties. Support for the AM spectrum covers the political spectrum. The primary Senate sponsors, for example, are Democrat Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts and Republican Ted Cruz of Texas. Leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the FCC also want to preserve the band.

 The bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require carmakers to keep AM radio in their vehicles at no extra cost.

Preservationists make a strong case. Automakers should retain the band to ensure the broadest possible means to access emergency broadcasts.

(Times-Shamrock Communications, which publishes The Citizens’ Voice, also owns WEJL Radio)

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog editor also worked for WEJL Radio and loved every minute of it. 

UPDATE: Ford will keep AM in all of its vehicles.