Podcast Summary: "The Decline of AM Radio Will Hurt More Than Conservative Talk Shows" On the Media
Host: Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger, WNYC Studios
Release Date: July 12, 2023

Introduction

In this episode of On the Media, hosted by Michael Olinger with insights from Katie Thornton, the discussion centers around the recent trend of automakers removing AM radio from their latest electric vehicle (EV) models. While this shift has sparked significant backlash, particularly from conservative talk radio hosts, the conversation delves deeper into the broader implications for the AM radio landscape, highlighting its vital role beyond political discourse.

Automakers Removing AM Radio

The episode begins by addressing a significant move by several major automakers. Companies like BMW, Volkswagen, Mazda, and Tesla have decided to exclude AM radio from their newest electric vehicles. This decision has raised concerns about the future of AM radio, especially in the context of emerging electric mobility technologies.

Backlash from Conservative Talk Radio

Katie Thornton highlights the intense reaction from conservative talk radio personalities regarding the removal of AM radios. This backlash is rooted in the perception that AM radio is predominantly a platform for conservative voices.

• Katie Thornton: "Sean Hannity, in an appearance on Fox, said something to the effect of this is definitely going to have political ramifications, because it will quiet conservative talk radio, which is what people turn to AM radio for." [02:05]

The hosts discuss how conservative talk radio has historically been a dominant force on the AM band, but this movement to phase out AM radio threatens not just these shows but the medium's diversity.

Bipartisan Efforts to Preserve AM Radio

Recognizing the broader significance of AM radio, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has stepped in to address the issue. Senators Ted Cruz and Ed Markey co-authored a letter urging automakers to retain AM radios in their vehicles. Additionally, Senator Markey and Representative Josh Gottheimer introduced bills mandating the inclusion of AM radios in new cars.

• Katie Thornton: "It is a bipartisan issue which I think should immediately raise questions for folks about what else might be on the AM band besides just conservative talk radio." [02:59]

The Importance of AM Radio Beyond Conservative Talk

Contrary to the common belief that AM radio is solely a platform for conservative voices, Thornton elucidates the medium's diverse and critical roles:

1. Accessibility and Diversity:

   • AM radio remains the most accessible way for various groups, including minority communities, to broadcast their voices.
   • Katie Thornton: "AM radio continues to be home to some increasingly rare locally owned stations, non-English language stations. The diversity of ownership on the AM band is significantly higher than the FM band." [05:48]

2. Local Content and Community Engagement:

   • AM stations often provide hyperlocal content, including community meetings, local sports, and cultural events.
   • Example: KYNK, an AM station on the Yakima Reservation in Washington, broadcasts tribal events, local news, and serves as a vital communication tool for the community.

3. Emergency Broadcasting:

   • AM radio plays a crucial role in disseminating emergency alerts, especially in rural areas where other forms of communication may be unreliable.
   • Katie Thornton: "The emergency alert system is still crucially important... This is an essential life-saving technology and life-saving medium." [14:38]

Historical Context of AM Radio

Thornton provides a historical overview of AM radio, emphasizing its evolution and the shifting regulatory landscape:

• Public Interest Mandate:

  • Initially, AM radio was regulated to serve the public interest by presenting multiple perspectives on controversial issues.
  • This regulation fostered a diverse range of voices on the airwaves.

• Deregulation and Consolidation:

  • Starting in the 1980s, sweeping deregulations led to the consolidation of radio stations under large conglomerates.
  • The 1996 Telecommunications Act eliminated the national cap on station ownership, allowing companies like Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) to dominate the market.

• Rise of Syndicated Conservative Shows:

  • The deregulated environment facilitated the rise of nationally syndicated conservative talk shows, epitomized by Rush Limbaugh's breakout in 1988.
  • Katie Thornton: "Rush Limbaugh... used barter-based syndication to explode into national syndication in 1988." [09:29]

The Role of AM Radio in Rural and Emergency Situations

The episode underscores the indispensable role of AM radio in rural settings and during emergencies:

• Rural Connectivity:

  • In remote areas like Sandpoint, Alaska, AM radio serves vast regions where other communication infrastructures are limited.
  • Katie Thornton: "AM radio has ease of distribution that something like newspapers do not." [12:39]

• Emergency Alerts:

  • AM radio remains a reliable source for emergency information during natural disasters when other services fail.
  • Katie Thornton: "This is an essential life-saving technology and life-saving medium." [14:38]

Current Challenges and the Future of AM Radio

While acknowledging the challenges facing AM radio, including dwindling listenership and technological shifts, Thornton remains cautiously optimistic:

• Listenership Trends:

  • Although only about 20% of radio listeners tune into AM, this still represents a substantial audience.
  • The demographic is aging, posing long-term sustainability questions.

• Technological Adaptations:

  • Some AM stations have sought ways to adapt, such as adding web streams or FM translators, though many lack the resources to do so effectively.

• Cultural Significance:

  • Efforts to preserve AM radio must consider its multifaceted role beyond political talk shows, ensuring the survival of diverse and local voices.

Conclusion

The removal of AM radio from electric vehicles is not merely a political maneuver but a pivotal moment that could reshape the medium's future. On the Media emphasizes the necessity of preserving AM radio to maintain its diverse voices, essential local content, and critical role in emergency communications. As bipartisan efforts seek to safeguard the AM band, the broader implications for media diversity and community connectivity remain at the forefront of this ongoing debate.

Notable Quotes:

• Katie Thornton: "Sean Hannity... said this is definitely going to have political ramifications, because it will quiet conservative talk radio." [02:05]

• Katie Thornton: "AM radio continues to be home to some increasingly rare locally owned stations, non-English language stations." [05:48]

• Katie Thornton: "AM radio has ease of distribution that something like newspapers do not." [12:39]

• Katie Thornton: "This is an essential life-saving technology and life-saving medium." [14:38]

This comprehensive overview captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the multifaceted importance of AM radio and the potential consequences of its decline in the modern automotive landscape.