AM Radio survey

  Photo Credit: Julian Hochgesang

A new survey finds AM radio is still present in 98% of car dashboards, while
FM radio is present in 100%.

  Car tech research company Quu has [1]released its inaugural 2024
  In-Vehicle Visuals Report, which examines the prevalence of radio in
  the top 100 best-selling new American vehicles. The pro-radio company
  vows to “identify our strengths and weaknesses” with so much audio
  available in our cars.

  According to the report, FM radio is represented in 100% of these
  vehicles, while AM radio maintains an impressive 98% prevalence. That’s
  more than [2]SiriusXM, which claims 92%. The two leading phone
  interfaces, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, each claim 98% — most
  Americans have access to one or the other.

  Interestingly, while it’s notable that AM radio still retains such a
  strong presence in newer vehicles, AM/FM no longer possess a “dashboard
  monopoly.” An increasing number of vehicles offer their own built-in
  music and radio streaming apps, and two out of three new vehicles come
  equipped with HD radio like SiriusXM.

GM vehicles are an exception to the widespread adoption of HD radio; only
Cadillacs come with standardized HD radio. That’s about one in five cars,
according to Quu’s data.

  But that means that “the dash is crowded,” with multiple radio options
  vying for the driver’s attention. “AM/FM radio stations need to drive
  home their value proposition to listeners who have several other
  choices at the touch of a button,” says Quu.

  That said, the value of AM radio during times of emergency cannot be
  overstated. And in the wake of devastating hurricanes like Helene and
  Milton, Attorneys General from numerous states — including South
  Dakota, South Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana,
  Mississippi, Montana, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia — are stressing
  the importance of ubiquitous AM radio, [3]urging Congress to pass the
  [4]AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act.

  Lawmakers in favor of the bill have noted that the Federal Emergency
  Management Agency (FEMA) has spent millions solidifying the Emergency
  Alert System with AM radio, making it the [5]backbone of information
  sharing in the face of emergency.

References

  1. https://myquu.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Quu_2024-In-Vehicle-Visuals-Report.pdf
  2. https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2024/11/22/siriusxm-difficult-cancel-subscriptions/
  3. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1669#:~:text=Reported to Senate (09/12/2023),-AM Radio for&text=This bill requires the Department,stations installed as standard equipment.
  4. https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2023/07/27/am-radio-for-every-vehicle-act-formally-introduced-for-us-senate-vote/
  5. https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2024/01/30/no-am-radio-warning-automakers-lawmakers/