Ford will provide AM radio after all in new cars

SANDUSKY — AM radio stations, such as WLEC-AM 1450 in Sandusky, got some good news this week. The Ford Motor Co. reversed course and announced it would keep providing AM radio in new cars after all. Ford had stated it wouldn't install AM radio in its new vehicles, and many electric vehicle manufacturers indicated they won't provide AM radio anymore. But, on Tuesday, Ford's chief executive, citing public safety concerns, said the company had changed its mind. A front-page article in Monday's Register explained that car manufacturers began shifting away from providing AM radio access. The decision had been criticized by lawmakers such as U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, who asked Ford and other carmakers to reconsider. Latta told the Register he saw the situation as a public safety issue. Even if there are electric power blackouts or hackers bring down the internet, AM radio stations equipped with emergency power generators can get the news out to Americans during an emergency, Latta said. Ford CEO Jim Farley announced the company's new stance in a posting on Twitter. "After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system, we've decided to include it on all 2024 @Ford & @LincolnMotorCo vehicles," Farley wrote. "For any owners of Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability, we'll offer a software update. "Customers can currently listen to AM radio content in a variety of ways in our vehicles, including via streaming, and we will continue to innovate to deliver even better in-vehicle entertainment and emergency notification options in the future," he wrote. "Thanks to our product development and manufacturing teams for their quick response to make this change for our customers," he concluded. General Motors continues to provide AM radio in its new vehicles but has declined comment on its future plans. Randy Hugg, operations manager in Sandusky for WLEC's owner, BAS Broadcasting, said he hopes Ford's decision will influence GM. "But I'm just in the radio and broadcasting business. I have no idea what goes on in the auto business," Hugg said.