![]() ![]() The US uses a different digital audio system, HD Radio, which is packaged with modern car radios. This technology allows broadcasters to use their current radio spectrum to transmit AM and FM analog signals simultaneously with new higher quality digital signals.” The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says DAB “provides for enhanced sound fidelity, improved reception, and new data services.” It offers “a method of transmitting near-CD quality audio signals to radio receivers along with new data services such as station, song, and artist identification, stock and news information, as well as local traffic and weather bulletins. In 2023, DAB (which requires its own receiver) is dominant in Europe and is making headway in Australia and parts of Africa and Asia-55 countries as of 2022.įord is “transitioning” from AM in most of its 2024 models but is still offering FM. In 2017, it became the first country to shut down nationally broadcast FM radio, switching its 31 channels instead to the digital audio broadcasting system (DAB). “However, for AM and all others, it is accessible over an internet connection.”įor an idea of what nixing traditional broadcast would look like, consider technologically advanced Norway. Volvo spokeswoman Sophia Durr said the automaker still installs traditional antennas for FM. Less than 5% of radio usage in our vehicles is through amplitude modulation-the definition of AM in this case-which we are removing from our vehicles.” “Ford will continue to offer these alternatives for customers to hear their favorite AM radio music, news, and podcasts as this transition continues. “A majority of US AM stations, as well as a number of countries and automakers globally, are modernizing radio by offering Internet streaming through mobile apps, FM, or digital options,” Alan Hall, director of technology communications at Ford, told Autoweek. Rivianįord says it’s “transitioning” from AM in most of its new or updated 2024 models. Rivian offers access to AM and FM radio stations for free via digital platforms. Rivian has no plans to discontinue either of these features in its current or future consumer vehicles.” FM content may be accessed either digitally or via built-in receiver. “AM radio service from local and national stations is provided via digital radio platforms (thus ensuring enhanced audio quality). “Rivian offers free access to AM and FM radio services in all Rivian consumer vehicles that come standard in each vehicle,” the company told Autoweek. But Rivian, one of the companies Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) called out, offered an explanation from a spokesperson. Carmakers that have made vehicles without broadcast AM include Tesla, Volvo, Audi, Rivian, and BMW.Īutomakers are none too eager to talk about this issue. FM is likely safe, at least for now, but some automakers have gotten a start by ditching the AM band, which encounters interference from the motors in electric cars. Broadcast radio is limited by the geographic proximity to the signal, but Internet radio has no such limitation-your drivetime in Chicago can be spent listening to morning shock jocks in Denver.Ĭould automakers eventually eliminate all broadcast radio in their automobiles? There are 15,445 commercial radio stations in the United States (as of 2020) that would be concerned about that. Other such services include Apple Music and Xiialive. He said last year, “For the BBC, Internet-only distribution is an opportunity to connect more deeply with our audiences and to provide them with better services and choice than broadcast allows… A switch off of broadcast will and should happen over time, and we should be active in planning for it.” The BBC has already said it would move its CBBC and BBC Four outlets to online only.ĭoes this mean Britons will no longer be able to listen to BBC during their morning commutes? Not necessarily, because today’s cars can bring in online audio over their 4G or 5G connections, and services such as TuneIn-available (both paid and free) in an increasing number of cars and claiming access to 100,000 stations-helps them do that. While some legislators have argued for the importance of AM radio for its emergency broadcast reach, it’s likely nearing the end for AM radio’s days on the dashboard.Ĭould the British Broadcasting Corporation, uh, stop broadcasting? That’s a possibility, says BBC Director-General Tim Davie.Norway has shut down its national FM broadcasts completely. In Europe, the digital audio broadcasting system (DAB) is now dominant, largely replacing FM on the radio dial.Several automakers have already dropped AM radios from their new offerings, including Tesla, Volvo, Audi, Rivian, and BMW. ![]()
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