Grand Ole Opry Urges Fans to Back the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Initiative and Help Protect WSM’s Legacy
By Website Content Manager
“If WSM, the Grand Ole Opry, and AM radio are important to you, this is the moment to make your voice heard.”
The Grand Ole Opry is encouraging country music fans to support the future of AM radio and legendary station WSM by backing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
The renowned Nashville institution is urging listeners to reach out to members of Congress in support of the bipartisan bill, which would require all newly manufactured passenger vehicles sold in the United States to come equipped with AM radio as a standard feature.
For more than 100 years, 650 AM WSM and the Grand Ole Opry have shared a rich history, helping introduce country, bluegrass, and Americana music to audiences while keeping listeners connected to Nashville through news, entertainment, and major events. With some automakers beginning to remove AM radio from newer vehicles, the Opry says preserving access to the technology has become increasingly important.
In a recent statement, the organization emphasized that AM radio continues to serve millions of Americans by providing reliable access to local news, weather updates, emergency alerts, and community programming. As the automotive industry adopts new technologies, lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at ensuring AM radio remains available in every new vehicle.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) also notes that AM radio reaches tens of millions of listeners each week, offering trusted coverage of news, sports, weather, entertainment, and religious programming. It remains especially valuable in rural communities, where farmers and ranchers rely on broadcasts for weather forecasts, crop reports, and other essential information.
Beyond entertainment, AM radio plays a vital role during emergencies. Often described as a cornerstone of the nation’s Emergency Alert System, it can continue delivering critical updates during severe weather, natural disasters, and other crises—even when power failures or cellular outages disrupt other forms of communication.
Despite its importance, several automakers have already eliminated AM radio from certain electric vehicle models, while others have indicated they may eventually remove it from gasoline-powered vehicles as well.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act was introduced on Jan. 29, 2025, by Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Ed Markey of Massachusetts, with support from 41 bipartisan co-sponsors. The Senate Commerce Committee advanced the legislation on Feb. 5, 2025, through a voice vote, and the bill now has the backing of more than 60 U.S. senators.