What AM radio’s waning reach means for the future of politics and public safety

AM radio faces a modern existential threat as electric vehicle manufacturers remove the band from new models due to electromagnetic interference from electric motors. Journalist Katie Thornton, an expert on radio history, explains that despite its reputation for conservative talk, AM radio remains a vital pillar of the media ecosystem, hosting rare locally owned stations and diverse non-English programming. Its technical ability to cover long distances and penetrate geographical barriers makes it indispensable for emergency alerts and civic engagement in rural areas where cellular and internet service are unreliable. While only 20% of the 80% of Americans who listen to radio weekly tune into the AM band, the medium maintains significant influence. Although the rise of electric vehicles presents a significant hurdle, AM radio has historically survived numerous technological shifts, including the advent of television and the internet, by serving specific community needs that FM and digital platforms often overlook.