96% of Americans Want AM/FM Radios in Vehicles
- The New York State Broadcasters Association
- Nov 24, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 25, 2025
Radio Ink is reporting on the results of a new study conducted by Critical Mass Insights. The study found that an overwhelming majority of Americans want AM and FM radios in their vehicles. The article in Radio Ink stated:
“As automakers eye their options to cut AM and FM radio from their vehicles, a new report finds that 96% of Americans say built-in radio is important in a new car. The preference for in-car radio access cuts across all demographics, including those who don’t regularly listen.
The Critical Mass Insights study found that nine in ten respondents view radio access as vital during emergencies such as severe weather or natural disasters. Those numbers align with the strong public response to the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require AM capability as a safety feature in all new cars sold in the US.
The findings far exceed earlier studies, including research from Xperi’s DTS, where 62% of respondents said they would immediately rule out a vehicle lacking AM/FM reception.”
The finding is significant as Tesla has removed both AM and FM radios from some of its models. The article in Radio Ink notes that ease of access to radio is important to consumers as it becoming more difficult to find stations. Also, a consumer develop streaming fatigue, they are looking for “free radio” in vehicles.
The article in Radio Ink is worth reading and can be seen here.
