Grand Ole Opry Calls On Fans To Support AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act And Preserve WSM’s Legacy

The Grand Ole Opry is calling on country music fans to help protect the future of AM radio and WSM by supporting the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

The iconic Nashville establishment is encouraging listeners to contact Congress in support of the bipartisan legislation, which would require all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. to include AM radio as standard equipment.

For more than a century, 650 AM WSM and the Grand Ole Opry have gone hand in hand, helping introduce sounds of country music, bluegrass and Americana music to audiences around the world while also sharing updates and exciting moments of Music City. Now, with some automakers removing AM radio from newer vehicles the Opry is warning that it’s more important than ever to ensure the technology remains accessible in every vehicle across the U.S.

“Today, AM radio remains a vital source of news, weather, emergency alerts, and local programming for millions of Americans. As automakers continue transitioning to new vehicle technologies, Congress is considering the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to help ensure AM radio remains available in every car,” the Opry shared in a new statement.

According to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) AM radio continues to reach tens of millions of listeners each week, serving as a trusted source for local and national news, sports, weather, entertainment and religious programming. It’s also a vital resource for rural and agricultural communities, as it  provides farmers and ranchers with important weather updates, crop reports and more.

AM radio also plays a critical role in public safety. Dubbed “the backbone of the nation’s Emergency Alert System,” it has the ability to continue delivering important information during severe weather and other emergencies, especially when power outages or cell service outages leave other forms of communication unavailable.

Despite the fact that AM radio has proved to be incredibly important all around the world, some automakers have already removed AM radio from electric vehicles, while others have indicated they may eliminate it from new models of gas-powered vehicles one day as well.

The bill was introduced on January 29, 2025 by Sens. Ted Cruz (TX) and Ed Markey (MA), along with 41 cosponsors. On February 5, 2025, the Senate Commerce Committee advanced S. 315 via voice vote. More than 60 Senators currently cosponsor S. 315.

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If passed, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a rule making AM radio a standard feature in all new passenger vehicles manufactured, imported or sold in the United States. The legislation also aims to ensure drivers can easily access AM radio in their vehicles.  

Until that rule takes effect, automakers that choose not to include AM radio would be required to disclose that information to consumers before purchase. They also would not be allowed to charge an additional fee for drivers to access AM radio, according to NAB.

So far, over 125 organizations, including the National Emergency Management Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, AARP, Native Public Media, SAG-AFTRA and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, have also chose to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

The Grand Ole Opry is encouraging anyone who values the future of AM radio and WSM to speak up by texting “AM” to 39179. Doing so will send a message to Congress showing the growing support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.