Mark yesterday’s date on your calendar – May 23, 2023 – because it was a rare day. A unicorn even.
It was the day the broadcast radio celebrated a victory….of sorts.
When was the last time you remember something big, even momentous, breaking radio’s way in the last several years? OK, maybe even a decade.
Ford’s reversal of course was, in fact, the cause for a brief round of high-fives. And then back to work. But it represented something we haven’t seen the industry do in decades:
Speak in one voice.
It was just last month when Ford announced it would no longer include AM radio in any of its vehicles – EVs and internal combustion engines cars and trucks. And that set off a chain reaction in the radio broadcasting industry – the NAB’s “Depend on AM Radio” campaign, complete with a website, an infographic, and perhaps most importantly, a call to action.
And the rank and file of the industry took it from there. AM broadcasters, led vocally by WABC’s owner/afternoon host John Catsimatidis, marshalled their energies. And then other strange bedfellows joined in: the National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) led By Jim Winston, the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) headed up by Joe Gill, as well as the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB).
Speaking of the latter, I’m writing this from the NRB’s huge conference taking place in Orlando. I got the news – actually from Ford CEO Jim Farley’s Twitter feed – ten minutes before I got on stage for a panel about mobile apps. And I delivered the BREAKING NEWS to those in attendance.
And they broke out into applause.
After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system, we’ve decided to include it on all 2024 @Ford & @LincolnMotorCo vehicles. For any owners of Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability, we’ll offer a software…
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) May 23, 2023
I have not understood Ford’s decision to do away with AM from the beginning. It was wrong-headed. And if the blue-oval team conducted research, it wasn’t very good. I was told by an insider that “Ford does a lot of focus groups.” You don’t make a decision like this based on roundtable discussions with a bunch of average citizens who happen to be car buyers.
Even stranger, Bill Ford, Jr. has always been a visible executive in the Detroit area, regularly appearing on radio shows like Jim O’Brien’s morning show on WCSX. And a bevy of auto execs lend their presence to Jeff Gilbert and John McElroy’s features on WWJ-AM, as well as Paul W. Smith’s show on WJR-AM. There’s always been that simpatico relationship.
Whatever the case, there are lessons to be learned here.
- The product cycle just got shorter – When Paul and I began to immerse ourselves in the auto space back in 2009, we were told the auto companies were planning for five years down the road; that it takes 3-5 years for anything to change. As we’ve learned from this experience, the new product cycle may be more like 3-5 weeks.
- Over the air updates are here to stay – In his tweet, Jim Farley indicated that on 2024 vehicles sans AM radio, the problem will be solved by software updates, a revolution pioneered by Tesla, but not making its way across the entire industry. It’s an amazing advance, and it should remind us that in all technology, things are moving even quicker than we think.
- Congress can actually DO SOMETHING – Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts was on this from the beginning, and was recently joined by co-sponsor Ted Cruz. These guys don’t agree on much, so it was a statement when they came together on this issue.
- Actions do indeed speak louder than words – Credit to the NAB team for jumping on this, while many remained silent. I did not think the campaign would move the needle for all the aforementioned reasons, but I am gratified to see it obviously made a difference.
And so now, rather than waiting for the next debacle, the radio broadcasting industry is taking action. On June 13, NASBA – the National Alliance of State Broadcaster Associations will host a series of panels and keynotes in D.C. at NAB headquarters. In attendance will be Senator Markey, the aforementioned groups of broadcasters, most of the state broadcaster associations, and Paul and me. We’ll be proudly hosting much of the agenda.
I will keep you posted on the event because it so essential the industry continue to be proactive, use consistent messaging, and yes, speaking in one voice.
It might also make sense for all broadcasters – AM and FM – to remind the millions and millions of listeners what radio does – every day – and why it is essential in cars and trucks.
The next automaker may not be as likely to blink.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Baby, Please Don’t Go - November 22, 2024
- Why Radio Needs To Stop Chasing The Puck - November 21, 2024
- Great Radio – In The Niche Of Time? - November 20, 2024
All logical. All correct. This from an organization that knows the importance and are experts in the partnership of radio and vehicle manufacturers.
Radio caught a break…this time. What will radio do with this wake up call to improve and innovate programming on the AM band?
Darryl, THAT is the question. It’s a reprieve, ostensibly for just one year. Lots to do….
This was a great dry run for the same efforts to save FM in cars in the future. And a reminder for AM stations that apps and streaming need to be an important part of their planning.
From your lips, Jackson. Yup, FM is next. There’s lot of work to be done.
Fred, you make a great point. The industry spoke with one voice. Another big part of radio’s DNA was also on full display here – an emergency was unfolding and the industry jumped into action. Assuming legislation ultimately gets passed, which mandates AM radio in all vehicles (gas and electric), hopefully the industry will find other opportunities to speak with one voice and not wait for a crisis.
And while the legislators are at it, since most OTA radio listening is now in cars, they can mandate HD Radio in every dashboard and a path toward MA3 for AM broadcasters. That’s how to “get the band back together,” Fred. He shoots, he scores…
Absolutely! And a three-pointer at that!
It would be nice, Andrew. It would be nice.
A Great Step Forward! One Edsel was enough for Ford. Licensed Radio is essential to the public interest. AM content connects on air, on line, digital, HD, FM and sounds outstanding with important content. All Radios Rise when the industry comes together. Stoner reception is a minimal fix. And, groundless AM towers (HEBA) are on the horizon. Continued support is a Definite Must! Thanks to all who participate.
O&O 1220watx.com Connecticut’s Classic.
Thanks, Clark.
Since car radios on the newest vehicles are no longer discrete “pop-in” units, but a software element of a more elaborate system that keeps the car running, it sounds like we’re talking about an SDR (software defined radio) structure.
In which case, the frequency range for the AM Band was already in there and readily accessible; only locked out. Unlocking it would not have involved a year of R&D, but only restoring a line of code that was REM’d out.
Good to have you back, AM.
Alan, that sounds right to be based on the quick reversal. Thanks for joining in.
Hi Fred.
Just to let you know its Joe Gill, President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. And our organization was talking about this back in November during our annual convention. In fact we had FCC Commissioner Simington at our convention in November.(https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/fcc-commissioner-advocates-for-preservation-of-am-radio). Yes NAB did a bunch of work, but it was NAFB and its member stations sounding the alarm to rural audiences much earlier.
All fixed. Thanks, Brian. We’re looking forward to getting together in DC.
It will be interesting to see if GM re-evaluates dumping Apple and Android for a proprietary system developed with Google. Trumpeting Billions in new revenues from this system, one might remind Mary Barra and Mark Ruess that their projections of sales, in units or dollars, rarely, if ever, pan out.
Bob, agree with you on this. The Apple CarPlay move seems especially ill-advised, based on Techsurvey results. We shall see.
How far radio corps have let radio’s value and importance fall in public perception is coming through in some of the opposition I’m seeing in comments about the campaign to save AM radio. The idea that radio is not needed because emergency alerts come to our phones seems pervasive…and remarkably off the mark. How is it that radio itself is not reminding everyone, when there’s a crisis — and no electricity — car and battery-powered radio will still be there. Apps and streaming? I’ve worked on air at times when only a gasoline generator was keeping us going and been through plenty of times with no electricity, relying on AM for information. We’ve recently come through Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada, with agencies at all levels of government reminding folks a battery-powered radio should be part of your kit. But there’s been hardly a peep from radio about it. And on the threat to drop AM radio from cars, virtually nothing from Canadian broadcasters.
Paul, this is an important comment. Thanks for taking the time.
This is good news. Thanks for reporting on this.
HD radio is in cars but what about the home and those little boxes we all carry around with us.
The devil is in the details.
This is great news but let’s face it, with Ford only committing to keeping AM for another year, this sounds more like a “stay of execution” than a full-blown pardon. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If broadcasters can create compelling programming listeners want, the automakers will call off the execution themselves.
Agree. I don’t see this in any way as predictive of the future.
I agree. Ford’s reprieve my be short-lived, more reason why AM operators should have gotten the wakeup call.
Fred,
Thanks for keeping this issue alive. We have a bunch of dogs in this fight. Being federally regulated gives Radio advantages. Uniquely, we have standing before Congress. Therefore, legislative initiatives of the NAB and our state associations are critically important. They craft, coordinate and deliver the voices lawmakers hear about broadcasting. That one voice, it’s serious business.
We compete daily for a share of the legislator’s mind. Lobby efforts by others, including our competitors, are formidable. Every communication with legislative staff matters. Hearing from constituents back home has an impact—don’t underestimate the power of a single phone call, email, or letter from a voter. Imagine the influence of a significant wave of concentrated messaging.
It’s what we witnessed with Ford. Mr. Markey serves on the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband (Mr. Cruz is Ex officio). That group influences our Federal fate.
Want to make a difference? Reach out to your state association. They’ll help you get to know your elected officials, and you can help them deliver our mail. They need and deserve your support.
There’s no substitute for strategic political action. As you point out, Dave, it goes to the heart of explaining exactly what happened here. Thanks for the reminder.
So many issues, so little time. Broadcast radio is sooooo simple. Plug in your transmitter and millions of receivers can hear your signal. Free. Its competitors are much more complicated, come with cost and show up in a number of combinations. Back in the day an AM/FM combined “dial” (no switching needed) may have worked. Today we’re fumbling with phones, accessing apps or hearing a harmony of hand-picked hits. AM/FM can survive if radio companies admit they’re in competition with all of those other services, and can provide something as good-or better. Is it possible? Yup. Probable? You decide..
There’s a reason why “easiest to listen to in the car” remains the #1 reason in Techsurvey why more respondents enjoy listening to the radio, Dave. Thanks for the reminder.
Surprise my ears AM radio operators. Ask your listeners, focus groups, employees what they’d program to raise the content bar. How about starting with a live, local overnight show? Why not you, WGN the Big 89. Might Nick Digilio return for overnights? A show of Chicago/Midwest hands…who supports this crazy idea?
Kudos to WGN for bringing veteran entertainers Steve King & Johnnie Putman back. Actually, WGN is doing a helluva job, lots of terrific local fare! Parting shot: I’m tired of hearing the same syndicated voices every night all across the AM dial. Show me the way.
Leo, thanks for the comment.
I’m probably the outlier here, but I’m not all that concerned about this for the future. Cars will have both AM and FM available through streaming, and through the various apps that auto-makers include. Maybe they keep the actual functioning AM radio receiver for a few more years, but the handwriting is (I believe) on the wall. And AM will still be get-able in the car, without the receiver. I dont’ mean to be negative, actually I feel like maybe I’m more of a Pollyanna on this.
I think you speak for a lot of people, Tim, who wonder what the fuss is about. Ultimately, streaming will be the great equalizer. But for the fortunes of many legacy broadcasters, that’s a tough pill to swallow. Thanks for chiming in.