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Grand Ole Opry Asks Country Fans To Help Preserve WSM’s Legacy on AM Radio
The Grand Ole Opry, whose century-long presence on 650 AM WSM shaped country music broadcasting, is rallying support to prevent AM radio from disappearing from new cars. Several automakers have begun removing AM receivers from vehicles, prompting the venue to champion the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, now supported by over 60 senators and introduced to Congress in January 2025.
Proponents argue AM radio serves essential functions beyond entertainment, including emergency alerts, weather warnings, and access for rural communities with limited internet connectivity. A diverse coalition of 125+ organizations—ranging from emergency management and farmers' groups to AARP and broadcasters—backs the legislation. Under the bill, automakers that have already discontinued AM radios would be required to disclose this to consumers before purchase.
In short
- Grand Ole Opry leads campaign to mandate AM radios in all new vehicles via proposed legislation backed by 125+ organizations
- Bill addresses emergency communication, rural access, and broadcast heritage as automakers phase out AM receivers
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Emergency communications and public safety are paramount concerns that transcend commercial interests. AM radio reaches rural and underserved areas where internet connectivity remains limited, and it operates independently from cellular networks that can become overwhelmed during crises. The broad coalition supporting this—from emergency management officials to agricultural organisations to seniors' groups—reflects genuine public safety needs rather than mere industry protectionism, whilst transparency requirements ensure consumers understand what safety features they're forgoing.
The case against
Automakers should retain freedom to design vehicles according to consumer preferences and technological progress. Modern smartphones and cellular networks provide superior emergency alerting capabilities, with 5G and internet-based systems reaching far wider populations than AM radio ever could. Mandatory AM receivers add manufacturing costs, weight and complexity without corresponding consumer demand, ultimately raising vehicle prices; if AM radio is truly essential for public safety, government should improve rural broadband and cellular infrastructure rather than imposing outdated technology mandates that constrain innovation and choice.
Explained simply
The Grand Ole Opry is a legendary country music venue broadcast on AM radio station WSM at 650 on the dial for more than a century, making it a cornerstone of American broadcasting history. The programme's long presence on AM radio helped establish country music as a major genre and connected generations of listeners across the United States.
Some car manufacturers have begun removing AM radio receivers from new vehicles, reflecting declining listening figures and consumers' preference for streaming services. This has prompted concern among broadcasters, the Grand Ole Opry, and various community groups worried about losing an important communications channel.
AM radio remains critical for emergency alerts, weather warnings, and serving rural communities where internet connectivity is limited or unreliable. A coalition of over 125 organisations—ranging from emergency management agencies to farming groups and AARP—has backed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which has secured support from more than 60 senators since its introduction to Congress in January 2025.