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Charlie Kirk, the conservative radio host and founder of Turning Point USA, has sounded the alarm about a possible conspiracy. Many on the right are concerned about a minor manufacturing change recently announced by car manufacturers like Volkswagen and Mazda – the removal of AM radios from their upcoming fleets of electric cars, citing technical reasons.
AM is the oldest commercial radio technology in the US, and public perception of it has closely aligned with conservative talk radio personalities. These days, AM radio is often synonymous with conservative pundits. Despite this, many small towns and rural areas across America still rely on AM radio for civic engagement, with the decline in local newspapers even further diminishing access to information.
In preparation for an uncertain future, many AM stations have tried to adapt to new formats, such as FM simulcasts, podcasts, and web streams. However, to some in the radio industry, the removal of AM radios from electric vehicles feels like a death sentence for their already struggling medium. The issue at hand is not just about emergencies and civic engagement – it’s also about preserving a platform for diverse voices.
Conservative voices in particular have thrived on AM radio, but this trend is at risk of being silenced. Some worry that the decision to remove AM radios from electric cars is just the first step towards a larger shift away from the AM band. If this trend continues, the most vulnerable stations will be those that provide the most diverse programming to their local communities.
Despite the concerns, many on the right have been quick to declare that this move is politically motivated. However, car manufacturers cite technical reasons, and it’s hard to imagine that the impetus for such a decision comes from anything other than a desire to improve their products.
Many conservatives and far-right pundits have built their careers on talk radio, and they are rightly concerned about the removal of AM radios from EVs. However, it’s important to remember that the future is unpredictable, and the decline of any medium does not mean that voices will be silenced entirely. The heroes of AM radio – the local stations that keep communities informed and engaged – will survive no matter what happens to their traditional platform.
Winston, the executive director of the National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters, agrees that the issue is complex. “Those voices are not going to be shut down, no matter what happens with AM radio”, he says. However, the removal of AM radios from electric cars may have serious unintended consequences for these communities.
It is not uncommon for conservatives to feel under attack in today’s political climate. Any decision that impacts a medium that has long been associated with conservative voices is likely to be seen as a political attack. However, it’s important to realize that innovation and progress can sometimes come with casualties.
The removal of AM radios from electric cars might seem like a minor change, but it has significant implications for the future of talk radio. It’s possible that this is just the beginning of a shift towards new mediums, and the most vulnerable broadcasters will be those that are unable to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry.
While AM may be an aging technology, it is still an important tool for many communities across America. If AM radio is slowly phased out, communities will need to rely on other sources of information, and it’s unclear what impact this will have on civic engagement and democracy.
Conservative voices are particularly important on AM radio, and the removal of this platform could have unintended consequences for the conservative movement and the broader country. However, it’s important to remember that the radio landscape is unpredictable, and new technologies and mediums may emerge that will create new opportunities for diverse voices and opinions.
Ultimately, the decision to remove AM radios from electric vehicles is a complex issue. Car manufacturers have valid reasons for their decision, but the potential consequences for conservative voices and civic engagement cannot be ignored. It’s clear that the future of talk radio is uncertain, and the industry may need to adapt to new mediums to thrive.
The heroes of AM radio are the local stations that provide diverse programming to their communities, and it is these broadcasters who may be most at risk if AM radios are phased out. Despite this, innovation and progress are inevitable, and the industry will need to find new ways to meet the changing needs of listeners.
Although the removal of AM radios from electric vehicles has sparked concern among conservatives, it’s important to remember that the radio landscape is constantly changing, and new opportunities and mediums may emerge. Regardless of what happens with AM radio, it’s important to keep fighting for diverse voices and perspectives in the media.
While it is concerning that AM radios may be on the decline, it’s important to remember that voices will not be silenced entirely. The heroes of AM radio will continue to provide important and diverse programming to their communities, regardless of the medium. The future may be uncertain, but the need for accurate information and civic engagement will remain constant.
The removal of AM radios from electric vehicles may be a sign of the times, but it’s important to consider all the factors at play. This decision may have unintended consequences, but it may also pave the way for new opportunities and mediums. Regardless of what happens, it’s important to remember that the heroes of AM radio will continue to keep their communities informed and engaged.